A report on trends in international education finds the United States enrolls a relatively low 66 percent of 4-year-olds in early childhood education.
The "Education at a Glance" report was released Tuesday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
As the U.S. presidential candidates weigh the costs and benefits of early childhood education on the campaign trail, the report's findings point to a growing global recognition of its worth.
In 2013, an average of 88 percent of 4-year-olds in the countries surveyed were enrolled. That's compared with 72 percent in 2005.
The report says more school later on pays off, too, in the form of lower unemployment and higher earnings for college graduates.
The report analyzed education data from the 34 OECD countries, along with several partner countries.
