Program evaluation has supported this multifaceted approach in multiple countries and settings.83 Analyses by Nobel Prize — winning economist James Heckman reveal that early prevention activities targeted toward disadvantaged children have high rates
of economic returns, much higher
than remediation efforts later in childhood or
adult life.84 For example, the Perry Preschool Program showed an average rate
of return
of $ 8.74 for every dollar invested in early childhood education.85 Targeted interventions foster protective factors, including responsive, nurturing, cognitively
stimulating, consistent, and stable parenting by either birth parents or other consistent
adults.