The effects of type of non-parental child care on pre-teen skills and risky behavior

We investigate pre-teenage effects of type of non-parental child care at age three (preschool versus more informal family day care) on overall and risky behavior and objective and self-evaluated abilities. We find no strong evidence that one type of non-parental care outperforms the other, although children who have been placed in preschool tend to like school better.

► We investigate effects on skills and risky behavior in pre-teenage of type of non-parental child care at age three. ► Types of non-parental care compared are preschool versus more informal family day care. ► To address non-random selection into type of care, we exploit policy variation in access across municipalities. ► We find no strong evidence that one type of non-parental care outperforms the other. ► Children who have been placed in preschool tend to like school better.