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Investment in childhood is fundamental to healthy child development and positive long-term effects. This paper aims to analyze the impact of early education on child development, measured through: Ages and Stages Questionnaires - Third Edition (ASQ-3). The results are not homogenous for the studied population, and effects are not found when the total sample is considered. A negative and significant effect on gross motor skills was found for children under 40 months. For children over 40 months, the effect of early education on socioindividual tests and problem-solving tests is positive and significant. Early education policies are fundamental to contributing to the improvement child development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of child development has become extremely important in recent years because of the influence it has throughout people's life cycle. This paper aims to provide evidence on the situation of early childhood in Uruguay by analyzing its characteristics and determinants. In order to carry out this study, a characterization of early childhood is conducted and different econometric models are applied to evaluate the determinants of child development. For this purpose, the ASQ-3 and CBCL tests collected by the National Child Development and Health Survey are used. In general terms, the characteristics of children and socioeconomic characteristics of households, variables referring to mothers during pregnancy and to newborns, and child-rearing practices have a positive effect on development. Early childhood policies are fundamental to contributing to adequate child development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]