Universal versus targeted approaches to prevent early education gaps. The Netherlands as case in point

There is strong evidence that high quality early childhood programs targeting disadvantaged groups can have lasting benefits and high returns on investment. The evidence for universal programs, however, is less conclusive. The present paper examines the claims of universal and targeted approaches to preventing early education gaps. First, recent findings on the universal unitary early education and care systems in Denmark and Norway are reviewed regarding the educational quality and compensating effects on disadvantaged children. Second, the advantages and disadvantages of targeted approaches... Mehr ...