Abstract

The evidence on how daycare enrollment below age 2 affects child outcomes is minuscule. In this paper, we estimate the causal effects of age at enrollment in universal daycare on child development. We exploit exogenous variation in vacancy rates in daycare institutions in Copenhagen to account for selection on start age. Children who enroll earlier experience a health shock in the year they initially enroll in terms of increased GP visits, but fewer GP visits later when they enroll in preschool. This paper provides new insight for parents and policy makers concerned about the optimal enrollment age.

Light lunch provided for registered participants; please register by November 29, 10:00 a.m. (registration link below seminar title)