A study that tracked more than 1,000 low-income, mostly black Chicago kids for up to 25 years, revealed that preschool had benefits that reflected in their adulthood, as the kids in the preschool had better jobs , less drug abuse , fewer arrests and a host of other benefits as adults.

In the study, almost 900 children who are now adults as well as attended the program in the early 1980s, were compared with nearly 500 low-income Chicago youngsters, most of whom didn't attend preschool.

Although, many preschool kids also got extra services in grade school, coupled with intensive reading instruction, the researchers discovered the ‘most enduring effects’, especially for non-academic success, were as a result of one or two years of preschool.

They concluded, “those intensive early childhood experiences built intellectual skills, social adjustment and motivation that helped children better navigate their high-risk environments”.

Lead researcher, Arthur Reynolds of the University of Minnesota, said, “The differences between the groups are meaningful and translate to big savings to society for kids who attended preschool”.

Moreover, the average cost for a child for 18 months of preschool in 2011 is reported to be $9,000, though Reynolds’ cost-benefit analysis suggests that leads to at least $90,000 in benefits of a child based on increased earnings, tax revenue, less criminal behavior, decreased mental health costs and other measures.