Articles tagged with Preschool
A new University of Virginia study found little to no correlation between pretend play and children's mental development. However, researchers did find evidence that it contributes to language, storytelling, social development, and self-regulation.
A University of Miami study found that shy preschool children start with lower academic skills and show slower gains than their peers. Children displaying shy behavior early on are at a greater risk of academic struggles, whereas loud and disruptive kids may benefit from specific educational strategies.
A Danish national cohort study found that cerebral damage and retinopathy of prematurity are independently associated with visual impairment in preschool children born extremely premature. The authors identified global developmental deficits, moderate to severe foveal abnormality, and ROP treatment as risk factors for VA loss.
A new study found that preschoolers' reading skills improve when teachers make specific print references while reading aloud, such as pointing out letters and words. This small change leads to significant gains in reading skills one and two years later, including higher word recognition, spelling, and comprehension scores.
A new Cambodian study reveals that some types of preschools outperform others in terms of developmental gains, but any type is still better than none. Children attending state preschools showed the most improvement due to their access to qualified teachers and resources.
A new study of over 1,000 twins confirms that preschool programs are beneficial for children from minority families and poor backgrounds. The study found that preschool attendance reduces the gap in test scores between rich and poor children, suggesting a potential way to break the cycle of disadvantage.
A new study found that preschoolers' language development is associated with their classmates' average language skills. Children with limited language skills were more affected by their peers than those with high skills, raising questions about the effectiveness of tracking in public preschool programs.
A new study found that preschool children with poor language skills improve more when placed in classrooms with high-achieving students. In contrast, those with low initial language skills in lower-ability classes lost ground over the year. The researchers suggest blending students from different backgrounds for better results.
Researchers found that four-year-olds conformed their public judgment of a situation to the majority of peers despite better knowledge. This conformity plays a crucial role in acquiring group-specific behavior. In the study, only 40% of children conformed at least once, indicating some level of peer pressure on young minds.
The Harrisburg Preschool Program has shown substantial long-term effects on reading and math achievement in children attending the program. In grades 1-5, HPP students outperformed peers who did not attend, with significant increases in advanced or proficient scores.
Increasing investment in early childhood development programmes can generate substantial returns, with potential benefits including long-term growth and reduced inequalities. Effective interventions include home-based and community-based parenting and family support, as well as high-quality preschool education.
A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute found that preschoolers' ability to estimate quantities correlates with their mathematics achievement in elementary school. The research, published in PLoS ONE, suggests that early number skills may serve as a foundation for school-age math abilities.
Research from Vanderbilt University finds that preschool teachers' use of sophisticated vocabulary and analytic talk can predict fourth-grade reading comprehension and word recognition. Long-term effects of early childhood classrooms are also associated with improved language ability, including enhanced vocabulary in later grades.
A study by Penn State found that adding pureed vegetables to children's favorite foods increased their daily vegetable intake and reduced calorie consumption. Researchers served vegetable-enhanced meals to 39 preschoolers aged 3-6, who ate nearly twice as many veggies and 11% fewer calories.
A recent study suggests that preschool-age children who get less sleep are more likely to exhibit hyperactive and inattentive behavior at kindergarten. The research, presented at SLEEP 2011, controlled for factors such as gender, ethnicity, and family income.
Researchers found smaller brain volumes associated with the severity of ADHD symptoms in preschool children, particularly in the caudate nucleus. Cortical volumes were not significantly correlated with symptom severity, suggesting other factors may contribute to ADHD development.
Research from the University of Minnesota's Chicago Longitudinal Study found that high-quality early education significantly impacts well-being, educational attainment, socioeconomic status, and crime rates. Participants who received extended preschool services had better outcomes in adulthood.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $950,000 USDA grant to integrate obesity-prevention strategies into programs for low-income families. The program, Hip-Hop to Health, was previously found effective in reducing body mass index in minority children and will now be tested with an additional population.
A new asthma management program for preschoolers, developed by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, has shown dramatic results in reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The program, which includes educational activities for parents and children, as well as training for healthcare providers, has led to a ...
A cost-benefit analysis of the Child-Parent Center program found significant economic benefits for disadvantaged children, including increased earnings and savings. The program resulted in higher rates of college attendance and employment in higher-skilled jobs, as well as lower rates of felony arrests and depression.
A new study suggests that two years of pre-K is beneficial for children, improving literacy skills and setting them up for success in kindergarten. However, researchers recommend focusing on additional skills like vocabulary instruction and self-regulation to create a more comprehensive curriculum.
A study of 1,238 families found that children in large group child care facilities developed more respiratory and ear infections before age 2 ½, but fewer later in elementary school. The researchers suggest that early exposure to mild infections may provide protection against future illnesses.
A study by researchers at The Pennsylvania State University found that when teachers call attention to gender, children express stereotyped views and preferences. In classrooms where teachers avoided gender divisions, children showed no change in responses or behaviors.
A new study found that preschool participation has a positive impact on children's literacy skills, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Low-income children, particularly those from Black families, experience the greatest benefits, while nonpoor Black youngsters also show considerable improvements.
A study by Penn State psychologists found that highlighting gender differences in preschool classrooms leads to increased stereotyped views among children, with a decrease in playtime with peers of the other sex.
A new report reviews the current state of publicly funded preschool in the US, highlighting the need for improved quality to meet their full potential. Research suggests that teacher interactions and professional development are key factors in determining program effectiveness.
A longitudinal study of low-income children found that high-quality preschool settings reduce externalizing behavior problems in middle childhood. High-quality child care is particularly important for boys and African American children.
The 'Language Bases for Reading Comprehension' grant aims to improve listening and reading skills in preschool through third grade. Researchers will develop interventions to support bilingual students, and over 3,000 children will participate in the five-year study.
Research highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for preschool depression, which can be a precursor to later childhood depression. Developmental interventions and psychotherapy may be effective in addressing preschool depression, with novel treatments like Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) showing promise.
A new study published in Child Development found that children whose minds are stimulated in multiple early childhood settings have higher achievement in elementary school. The research highlights the importance of improving coordination among parents, preschool classrooms, and elementary schools to boost children's achievement.
Researchers found that serving carrots as a first course increased broccoli consumption by nearly 50-100% among preschool children. The findings challenge conventional beliefs and provide a simple strategy for parents to promote healthy eating habits in their young children.
Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that preschool children actively challenge and redefine traditional gender structures. Despite teachers' biases, children often share play and learning activities, show concern for each other's well-being, and reformulate possibilities through child-led initiatives.
Researchers found that preschoolers' abilities to think about their social world develop with the maturation of two key brain areas. This study provides insights into the typical social brain development and clues for understanding impaired social reasoning in autism.
A new longitudinal study found that preschoolers' language skills develop faster when they are with classmates who have better language abilities. The study also suggests that teachers can promote children's language development by effectively managing classroom behavior.
A new study published in Child Development finds that preschoolers spend most of their day inactive, with 89% of physical activity characterized as sedentary. When balls and open spaces are made available, children become more likely to be active.
A University of Illinois study finds that single mothers' education is crucial in creating a nurturing home environment, followed by employment in standard daytime hours or flexible jobs. Stable day shifts with flexibility allow mothers to spend more time with their children and form an attachment.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that oral steroids are not effective in treating preschool children with virus-induced wheezing. The study monitored 700 children and found no significant difference in hospital stay time between those treated with prednisolone and those given a placebo.
Children who are aggressive in infancy, have harsh parenting styles, and come from low-income families are more likely to be chronically victimized by peers. Research suggests that multiple forms of victimization are common among these children, including verbal bullying and social aggression.
New research reveals aggressive preschoolers tend to have less consistent relationships with peers and play with fewer classmates over time. Non-aggressive children, on the other hand, do better at interactions with many peers as they practice social skills and learn to control their behavior.
A RAND Corporation study reveals that California's preschools fail to provide high-quality learning experiences for disadvantaged children. Despite meeting class size and child-staff ratio benchmarks, only a quarter of participating children experience instruction promoting thinking and language skills.
A study in Ethiopia found that biannual mass azithromycin treatment significantly reduced eye infections caused by chlamydia in preschool children, from 42.6% to 0.9%, compared to annual treatment, which reduced infections by 6-fold.
A study found that preschool children exposed to both World Trade Center attacks and another traumatic event had significantly more severe behavioral problems than those exposed only to one or neither. Young children may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse psychological consequences of trauma.
A study found that certain types of tantrums, such as self-injurious behavior and violent aggression, are associated with clinical problems like depression and ADHD. Healthy children tend to have shorter, less aggressive tantrums.
Making preschool available to all children aged three and older in the US would improve school-readiness, fill gaps for working families, and lower high school dropout rates. The initiative would also reduce crime and boost the economy, according to Edward Zigler, Walter Gilliam, and Stephanie Jones.
Research from RAND Corporation reveals California's preschool system is not maximizing child development and school readiness benefits. High-quality preschool programs serving disadvantaged groups can improve academic performance, but the state's current system has low standards and little incentive for providers.
A comprehensive school-based intervention improved educational, criminal, and economic outcomes for low-income minority children from preschool to young adulthood. The program showed significant positive effects on health and well-being, reducing arrests and disability assistance rates.
A study by University of Minnesota professors Arthur Reynolds and Judy Temple found that minority preschoolers from low-income families who participated in a comprehensive school-based intervention fared better educationally, socially and economically as they moved into young adulthood. They were more likely to finish high school, atte...
Preschool children in rural areas who are served homegrown produce are more than twice as likely to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Homegrown produce creates a positive food environment, making kids prefer its taste over other foods.
Researchers found no significant link between teacher education and improved classroom quality or children's academic skills. Policymakers should consider a broader range of factors to enhance preschool education.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that consuming 100 percent fruit juices is not associated with overweight status among preschool children. The analysis of the largest government database on food consumption suggests that preschoolers are consuming appropriate amounts of juice, averaging 4.7 ounces per day.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschool children who watched TV during lunch ate significantly less than those who did not. However, children who frequently watched TV also tended to eat more on TV days, suggesting a potential link between TV viewing and overeating in young children.
Researchers found that wheezing prevalence follows distinct patterns by age 6 and stability of lung function is maintained through school years. Children with early wheeze tend to have lower lung function levels but stable rates.
A study found that preschool participation significantly increases rates of high school completion and lowers juvenile arrest rates. The primary contributors to these outcomes include attendance in high-quality elementary schools and parental involvement in school.
An intervention program, lasting 7 sessions, helped reduce preschool children's TV/video watching from 11.9 to 8.8 hours/week, decreasing 33% to 18% of children watching more than 2 hours/day. The study suggests that a preschool-based intervention can lead to reductions in young children's TV viewing.
A recent study has found that oral steroid treatment for preschool children with viral wheeze may not provide any benefits in reducing respiratory symptoms or hospital admissions. The study analyzed data from over 200 young children and found no difference in symptom scores between those who received prednisolone and placebo. However, ...
A study of 448 children in New York Head Start preschool programs found that those with high cholesterol at ages 3 and 4 were more likely to have high cholesterol five years later. The study suggests that early intervention and primary prevention can be effective in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
A UF study revealed that children enrolled in government-subsidized preschools had limited access to literacy activities, such as reading aloud and writing. This may be due to factors like excessive regulations, social class segregation, and uncertified teachers.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers finds that preschool programs can significantly reduce the risk of childhood abuse and neglect. The study, which followed over 1,000 low-income children, found that those who attended a preschool program had a 52% lower rate of maltreatment compared to those who did not attend.
A recent study found that 26% of preschool children lived in three-generation households, with 39% having a history of maltreatment. The research also revealed that 32% of the young mothers were depressed. As these young mothers mature, role conflicts may arise between being a teenage daughter and a young mother.
The Saint Louis University School of Public Health has launched High 5-Kids, a four-year program aiming to educate parents on normal childhood eating patterns. The initiative seeks to encourage healthy eating habits among preschool children, aged 3-5 years, and promote a balanced diet to prevent obesity and cancer.