Abstract:

In this study reading scores for kindergarten through eighth grade students who participated in a Head Start program, center-based care program, or home-based care program prior to school entry were analyzed to determine effects of early childhood program participation on reading achievement for boys and girls. Through analyzing data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten, girls consistently outperformed boys in reading with regard to each of the three early childhood programs. Furthermore, boys and girls who attended a center-based care program prior to kindergarten entry consistently performed higher in reading than boys and girls who attended Head Start or home-based care programs in kindergarten through eighth grade. Evidence was present regarding the importance of center-based care programs to future academic success of students. Implications for considerations for further research are discussed.

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