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The prevalence of behavioural problems in three types of preschool group
Insights
Day nurseries identified more behavioral problems in 2-4 year olds compared to nursery classes or playgroups. Boys, children with health or speech issues, and younger children in day nurseries showed higher rates of behavior difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Early Childhood Education
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Preschool settings significantly influence early childhood development.
- Understanding behavioral differences across various preschool environments is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Early identification of behavioral problems aids in timely support for children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of behavioral problems in 2-4 year olds across different preschool settings: day nurseries, nursery classes, and playgroups.
- To identify specific child characteristics associated with increased risk of behavioral difficulties in these settings.
- To explore the relationship between home and group setting behavior difficulties.
Main Methods:
- A screening questionnaire was administered to assess the behavior of 637 children aged 2-4 years.
- Participants attended one of three preschool group settings: day nurseries, nursery classes, or playgroups.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare behavioral problem identification rates and identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- Children in day nurseries exhibited significantly more behavioral problems than those in nursery classes or playgroups.
- Risk factors for behavior difficulties included being male, having speech or severe health problems, and being younger within a day nursery setting.
- A limited overlap was observed between behavioral difficulties reported at home and those identified in the preschool setting.
Conclusions:
- Day nurseries may require specific strategies and staff training to address higher rates of behavioral issues observed in their attendees.
- Targeted support is needed for at-risk groups, including boys, children with health or speech impairments, and younger children in day nurseries.
- Preschool service organization and staff training should be informed by setting-specific behavioral data to optimize early childhood support.
Abstract:
The behaviour of 637 2-4 year olds attending three types of preschool group setting was assessed, using a screening questionnaire. Significantly more children in day nurseries than nursery classes or playgroups were identified with behavioural problems. It was also found that boys, those with speech or severe health problems, and younger children in day nurseries, were more likely to have behaviour difficulties. There was only a limited overlap between behaviour difficulties at home and in the group setting. The implications of the results for the training of nursery staff and the organisation of preschool services are discussed.