PRE SCHOOL TOUTED FOR ALL
Benefits include fewer crimes, dropouts, report says
By Staff and Wire Reports, SAN BERNADINO SUN

High-quality, universal preschool for all 4-year-olds in California would generate $2.62 in benefits for every public dollar spent, according to a new economic analysis released Tuesday by the Rand Corp.

The cost-benefits study by the Santa Monica-based think tank estimated average annual costs of $1.7 billion for universal preschool would be offset in the long term by a reduction in the high school dropout rate, less juvenile crime and a more productive work force.

Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann said universal preschool would help reduce crime.

"The more teens that have the educational foundation of a preschool education, the less teens my officers will see in a lineup,' Bueermann said.

Bueermann said children who lose interest in school are more likely to drop out and commit crimes. Taxpayers take on the burden of paying the cost associated with youth violence such as legal and medical costs, he said.

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