Articles tagged with Preschool
Higher ultraprocessed food consumption in Canadian preschoolers was associated with increased emotional symptoms by age 5. Replacing UPF with minimally processed foods may support healthier behavioral development and long-term mental health.
The study found generally stable motivational patterns, with 4 profiles of motivation and a well-distributed structure. Gender socialization processes emerged, with girls more likely to experience positive shifts, while family context played a significant role in promoting positive transitions.
Researchers found that children who aren't friends connect better through play when given a task to complete, especially during goal-directed activities. The study, which involved 148 children aged six to eight, shows that connected communication is crucial for social coordination and teamwork.
A cross-sectional study reveals substantial motor difficulties in preschool children that remain under-recognized by parents. The study supports timely referral to clinicians for formal diagnosis using a systematic approach for early identification in preschoolers. The findings highlight the need for structured screening and awareness ...
A new study published in Prevention Science found that preschool children who are expelled from their classrooms often experience academic failure and enter the 'cradle-to-prison pipeline.' However, the study also showed that a collaborative parent-teacher relationship may help reduce the number of preschool expulsions. By fostering bi...
The PEERS for Preschoolers program is an evidence-based solution designed to help young children on the autism spectrum learn fundamental social skills needed to form lasting friendships. The program focuses on key areas such as turn-taking, sharing, cooperative play, and good sportsmanship.
Researchers found that lottery-winning pre-K students entered kindergarten more prepared in math and reading, but gains faded by grade 4. Disadvantaged students benefited the most from attendance.
The RAND survey found that over 80% of public school pre-K teachers use multiple curriculum materials, with some combining materials for specific domains and others creating their own. However, many report insufficient time for instructional planning and professional learning.
Researchers found significant reductions in risky behaviors amongst teenagers after Japan's preschool expansion. Improved noncognitive skills played a key role in mitigating these behaviors.
A new study found that early exposure to violent TV content in childhood is associated with increased risk of antisocial behavior in teenagers, especially boys. The study, led by Professor Linda Pagani, followed over 1,900 children from ages 3.5 to 15 and found that boys who watched more violent TV content had higher rates of aggressiv...
Preschool wheeze affects 30-40% of children under six, causing significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The UK has the second-highest prevalence in Europe, with inconsistent terminologies used by doctors contributing to diagnostic challenges.
Researchers document five cases of parvovirus B19-induced myocarditis in preschoolers from northern Greece, highlighting the virus's unique impact on endothelial cells. The study emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in children.
A new test, SMC-Kids, has been developed to evaluate the motor competence of preschoolers without requiring specialized equipment or large spaces. The tool showed strong associations with established assessment tools and demonstrated excellent reliability.
A new study suggests that excessive screen time can lead to reduced sleep quality in preschool-age children, worsening behavioral problems such as poor attention and emotional symptoms. The research also found a correlation between screen time and decreased sleep quality.
Allophone children who attended preschool services show improved cognitive development, social emotional skills, and communication abilities compared to those who did not. Preschool education is a key factor in bridging the language gap for these children.
A Japanese study found that children with outdoor play habits at age 2.5 had a 15% lower risk of being overweight or obese by age 7. The study suggests encouraging outdoor play in young children may help prevent obesity later in life.
Pretend play is associated with enhanced cognitive abilities like executive function, language, and perspective-taking. Research suggests that play-based preschool curricula offer more significant long-term advantages in academic performance and students' attitudes towards school.
A new study found that children who were more positively sensitive to their parents' praise when they were 3 years old had fewer behavioral and emotional problems when they were 5–7 years old. Childhood sensitivity to psychosocial influences was also found to predict mental health in middle childhood.
A new review from Teachers College, Columbia University, and other institutions reveals varied impact of preschool programs on long-term school success. The study found a mix of positive, negative, and no differences in school performance among children who attended or did not attend preschool.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children aged 3-5 consume a significant portion of their daily calories during the hour after picking up from childcare, with high amounts of added sugar and salt. Experts recommend preparing healthy snacks in advance to instill healthier habits.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study is tracking over 300 infants and preschoolers to assess the importance of napping on brain development. The research aims to identify the bioregulatory mechanisms involved in napping and its impact on memory, with findings expected to inform nap policies for young children.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 3- and 4-year-olds in Sweden has decreased after the pandemic. The researchers observed a reversal of unhealthy weight trends, indicating that an unhealthy weight status can be reversed.
Researchers found that childcare workers in informal creche settings need training to better support non-English speaking migrant and refugee children. The study showed that on-site professional learning improved emotional literacies and strategies for supporting these children, resulting in happier outcomes for families.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that kindergarten transition difficulties can impact all children, not just those who are less prepared. Children who make a successful transition in the first few months of kindergarten score higher on tests of academic and social-behavioral skills at the end of the school year.
Researchers found that pancreatic enzymatic replacement improved behavioral function in preschoolers with ASD, including reduced irritability, hyperactivity, and lethargy. The treatment had minimal side effects and demonstrated potential for addressing co-occurring maladaptive behaviors.
Pandemic-exposed preschool children demonstrated improved problem-solving skills, fine motor abilities, and vocabulary at 2-5 years old compared to non-exposed peers. They also showed enhanced cognitive performance in visual memory and overall cognitive abilities.
A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.
Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income families had poorer health outcomes and improved less in healthy lifestyle habits compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds. The intervention program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among children with higher socioeconomic status, bu...
A study found that Spanish-speaking Latino preschoolers were more generous than their English-speaking peers, while English-speaking children chose competitive options. This suggests that children from collectivist cultures prioritize group well-being over individualism even at a young age.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.
A systematic review of research on board games found that they significantly improve math skills in children aged three to nine years. The studies showed that playing number-based board games regularly enhances counting, addition, and recognizing numbers.
A new study of French preschool children reveals differences in engagement opportunities linked to social class, suggesting that early childhood education is not maximizing its potential as an equalizing force. Low-SES students spoke less frequently and for less time compared to high-SES students.
A study by academics at the University of Cambridge found that lockdown children continued to play, adapting their habits to their changed circumstances. Despite limited options, children displayed positivity, confidence, and optimism about playing, with play persisting as a feature of their lives during the pandemic.
A positive school climate characterized by effective leadership and strong family ties can reduce disparities in emotional support and classroom organization for Black and Latine preschoolers. However, instructional support remains a concern despite improved school climate.
A new MIT study finds that attending preschool at age 4 significantly increases the likelihood of going to college and graduating from high school. Preschool-educated students were also more likely to take the SAT and had fewer behavioral issues, including suspensions and legal-system problems.
A new study shows that preschoolers as young as 3-5 years old understand that some reasons for reneging are more defensible than others. Children agree that breaking promises is generally wrong, but are more understanding when good excuses are given. The children's responses revealed that lame excuses are just as bad as none at all.
A study published in the European Journal of Public Health found a significant rise in body mass index (BMI) among Swedish children aged three to five during the pandemic. BMI rose in both boys and girls, with a notable increase in overweight and obesity rates among disadvantaged areas.
A new study reveals that second-generation Indian American adolescents face discrimination as early as preschool, influencing their development of identities. The research found that these adolescents experience hate crimes, discriminatory comments from peers, and difficulties balancing their Indian identity with their desire to be see...
A new study led by Linda Pagani found that watching violent TV during the preschool years can lead to later risks of psychological and academic impairment. Exposure to typical violent screen content at a critical time in brain development can predict later psychological distress and academic risks.
The University of Missouri is revamping its training courses for childcare providers with a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The new online video-based courses aim to be more accessible and engaging, covering topics such as safe sleep, transportation, and emergency preparedness.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst psychologist is using a $428,000 NIH grant to develop a home-based system that tracks preschoolers' tantrums and predicts mental illness risk. The system uses wearable devices and machine learning algorithms to identify high-risk children and provide critical information to parents.
A study published in Early Education and Development journal found that preschoolers with stronger vocabulary skills at the start of the year display more positive engagement with teachers and peers. The researchers also discovered that inhibitory control is crucial for classroom engagement and learning.
A study from the Alpha Generation Lab found that hyperactive children are more likely to use digital devices, while fidgety children may be more prone to social problems. The researchers suggest a two-way street where digital devices and behavior problems influence each other.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that a 12-week app program improved children's motor skills by an average of 15.5 percentage points. The app-based program focused on six motor skills, including hopping, throwing, and jumping, and was shown to be effective in preventing childhood obesity.
A new study found that napping can positively affect preschool children's learning of letter-sound mappings and transfer this knowledge to reading unfamiliar words. The research suggests that naps may facilitate the acquisition and application of these fundamental literacy skills.
A University at Buffalo-led study recommends culturally relevant policies and practices to promote a safe environment for Black students. Interventions include co-creating school rules, mindfulness programs, and anti-bias training to address discipline disparities and bias.
A recent study published in Child Development found that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted preschool children's educational development, particularly in motor, language, and logical-mathematical skills. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable children to mitigate the achievement gap.
A study of over 2,600 children in Ethiopia found that pre-primary education prevented 'alarming' learning losses when schools reopened. Children without pre-primary education showed a four-fold increase in learning deficits.
A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that implementing lifestyle interventions in preschool can significantly improve cardiovascular health habits in children. The SI! Program, which included more than 3,800 children aged 3-5 years from 50 schools across three countries, showed a significant inc...
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that preschool children can correctly identify emotions of caregivers wearing and not wearing face masks. The study involved 276 children who were examined for their ability to recognize emotions in caregivers with and without face masks.
Adding more fruit and veggie side dishes resulted in a 24% increase in veggies and 33% more fruit, while substituting produce for other foods led to a 41% boost in veggies and 38% more fruit. The study suggests ways parents and caregivers can encourage healthy eating by experimenting with different fruits and vegetables.
Children do not understand theory of mind until age 6 or 7, according to Arizona State University researchers. They rely on perceptual access reasoning, which involves using visual cues to make decisions, rather than understanding others' mental states.
New research published in eNeuro found that premature babies' brain connections at birth can predict their future emotional and social development. The study discovered a link between the strength of the uncinate fasciculus, a white matter tract involved in emotional regulation, and emotion moderation skills in preschoolers.
A Rutgers University study found preschool children are more likely to choose information if they know enough but not too much about it. This optimal knowledge level creates perfect uncertainty and curiosity, motivating them to learn more.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found that a combination of two early reading programs improved kindergarten readiness by 15.4 percentage points over three years. The Reach Out and Read/Imagination Library program boosted preliteracy skills, improving school success.
Researchers found that a virtual Summer Success at Home program was feasible, popular with teachers and parents, and had modest success in helping children learn literacy skills, early math skills, and emotion understanding. The study suggests virtual interventions may be successful in promoting kindergarten readiness skills.
A new screening tool, The Reading House (TRH), assesses early literacy skills in preschool-age children and has been validated as a potential identifier of reading difficulties. TRH measures core skills predictive of reading success and identifies relationships between screened skills and early brain development in the brain.
A preschool enrichment program, REDI, has been shown to boost social and emotional skills that still have positive effects years later. Children attending Head Start preschools with the REDI program were less likely to experience behavioral problems and emotional symptoms by seventh and ninth grade.
Children who attend preschool enter kindergarten with greater skills than those who don't, but this advantage is short-lived. While pre-K graduates show initial gains in academic skills, their peers quickly close the gap, suggesting that preschool's long-term benefits may be limited.
Researchers are conducting a large-scale study to understand the biological factors driving tooth decay in preschool-aged children in Yuma, Ariz., and on the island of Hawai'i. The study aims to discover interventions to eliminate bacteria contributing to childhood tooth decay.