Facilitating preschool mainstreaming: classroom strategies and teacher attitude

This article addresses classroom strategies and teacher variables that influence pre-school mainstreaming. Theoretical and historical aspects of mainstreaming are included. Factors related to preschool mainstreaming are noted and practical applications to facilitate the integration of exceptional students #opESE#cp and early childhood education students #opECE#cp discussed including suggestions regarding teacher training influences and teacher attitudes. In summary, implications for future companion ESE and ECE pre-school are considered.     

Weathering the preschool environment: affect moderates the relations between meteorology and preschool behaviors

The goal of this study was to examine the relations among various meteorological conditions, affective states and behavior in young children. Results from past research have revealed many weather effects on behavior and emotions with adult samples. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence to support this link with children. Thirty‐three mothers were asked to rate their children (age 36–70 months) for a one‐month period to assess positive and negative affect. Teachers completed questionnaires for the same period to assess internalizing (e.g. anxious), externalizing (e.g. aggressive) and prosocial (e.g. helping) behavior, and data were collected for various weather conditions. Pearson correlation analyses revealed many associations between weather and children’s internalizing, externalizing and prosocial behavior. Furthermore, using a moderated model approach, the interactions between weather (temperature, humidity and amount of sunshine) and children’s affect (positive and negative) were examined in the prediction of social adjustment in preschool. The overall pattern of results revealed that favorable temperature and an increased amount of sunshine promote positive social behaviors in children who are prone to higher levels of negative affect. However, the results also suggest that higher humidity is associated with decreases in prosocial behavior and increases in externalizing behavior in children who typically exhibit positive social adjustment. Findings are related to issues surrounding family functioning, classroom management and peer relations.     

Interaction processes as a mediating factor between children's externalized behaviour difficulties and engagement in preschool

This study examined social interaction as a mediator between externalized behaviour difficulties and children's engagement in preschool. Data from 663 children (340 boys), aged 18–71 months, were collected at 81 Swedish preschool units in six municipalities to test a path model that included child, teacher, and child groups. The results indicated that behaviour difficulties and engagement may occur simultaneously. Hyperactivity had a direct negative influence on engagement, which was not the case with conduct problems. Teachers’ responsiveness as well as positive interactions with peers had an indirect influence on the relationship between hyperactivity and engagement. Responsive staff and positive interactions within the child group seem to contribute to children's engagement despite hyperactivity. Children's engagement, as well as special support to stimulate engagement in preschool, is discussed.     

4~5岁儿童气质特性与行为问题关系的分析

目的:探讨4~5岁儿童气质特性与行为问题关系,为行为问题的预防和干预提供依据。方法:采用《NYLS 3~7岁儿童气质问卷》、Achenhach儿童行为量表(CBCL)及父母养育方式评价量表(EMBU),对佛山市4~5岁468名儿童进行测试。结果:难养型男童的违纪、抑郁与难养型女童的多动、攻击、分裂问题检出率显著高于其他类型;气质各维度因子与一些行为因子存在显著性相关,多元回归分析表明:父亲惩罚、严厉,难养型气质及母亲情感温暖、理解对儿童行为问题有显著预测作用。结论:难养型气质,父亲惩罚、严厉是行为问题的危险因素,母亲情感温暖、理解则是保护因素;应根据儿童的气质特点,积极改善环境,采取适当的教养方法,以有效地防治儿童行为问题。     

唐山市学龄前儿童生长发育监测结果分析

目的:了解唐山市第一幼儿园学龄前儿童生长发育和营养状况,以便为制定学龄前儿童保健措施提供依据,改善儿童营养状况,促进生长发育。方法:采用分层抽样方法抽取唐山市第一幼儿园3～6岁的儿童144人,进行身高和体重测量。采用Z评分法和Kaup指数进行营养状况评价。结果:唐山市第一幼儿园学龄前儿童身高和体重均明显高于WHO推荐的标准值,低体重和消瘦的发生率分别为1.4%和2.1%,肥胖和超重的发生率分别为5.6%和3.5%,生长迟缓的发生率0.7%。结论:唐山市第一幼儿园学龄前儿童体格生长发育总体良好。     

珠海市学龄前儿童气质类型及相关因素研究

目的:了解珠海市学龄前儿童气质类型,探讨其影响因素。方法:采用随机整群抽样方法抽取珠海市943名3～7岁儿童为研究对象,应用《3～7岁儿童气质测查问卷》和自制的相关因素问卷对儿童气质和有关因素进行调查。结果:珠海市学龄前儿童气质类型以易养型和中间偏易养型占多数,分别占儿童总数的33.7%和39.1%;儿童健康状况不良,儿童入睡困难,母亲孕期抑郁忧虑和父母教育方式不一致是难养型气质的危险因素。结论:生物学因素和家庭环境因素影响学龄前儿童气质类型,良好的围产期保健,和谐、稳定的家庭环境及正确的教育方式有利于儿童身心健康发展。     

学龄前儿童智力测试及影响因素分析

目的:了解学龄前儿童智力发育状况及其影响因素,为促进与改善学龄前儿童智力发育提供依据。方法:对2006～2008年幼儿园儿童体检资料进行逐个评价、汇总,并进行单因素及多因素非条件Logistic回归分析。结果:当地高、中上、中、中下、低智力儿童检出率分别为1.2%、34.3%、55.1%、9.3%、0.2%;单因素Logistic回归分析显示,儿童性别、年龄,父母年龄、父母文化程度、母亲职业与儿童智力水平存在显著相关性;多因素Logistic回归显示,儿童年龄、父母文化程度、母亲职业是影响儿童智力发育的主要因素。结论:该地儿童智力结构符合智力发展的一般规律,提高父母文化素质、加强早期教育、改善儿童教养环境有助于促进儿童智力发展。     

4~6岁儿童贫血患病率及相关因素分析

目的:了解合肥市学龄前儿童贫血患病率及相关影响因素,为防治学龄前儿童贫血提供依据。方法:采用分层整群随机抽样的方法,选取合肥市区8所幼儿园的1294名4~6岁儿童,测定血红蛋白、问卷调查儿童饮食行为和家长营养知识。结果:合肥市学龄前儿童血红蛋白含量为(123·76±12·95)g/L,男童略高于女童,性别间差异无显著性;贫血检出率为10·4%,不同性别、年龄间差异无显著性。贫血的影响因素中,偏食挑食是贫血的危险因素,喜吃水果、喝牛奶和家庭月收入是保护因素。结论:儿童的健康应从学龄前抓起,在幼儿园儿童及家长中开展营养知识教育,合理调整儿童饮食结构,纠正偏食、挑食的不良习惯,可以降低贫血发生率。     

学龄前儿童屈光类型与视力发育的关系

为了解屈光不正类型对视功能的影响 ,我们对阳江市 12 80 6例学龄前儿童进行视力筛查。凡视力低常者进行眼部检查及检影验光 ,结果显示 ,导致学龄前儿童视力低常的主要原因是屈光不正 ,导致视力低常的屈光类型是复性远视散光、远视、混合性散光、单纯远视散光。导致弱视的主要原因是 :复性远视散光、远视、混合性散光、屈光参差。凡有屈光不正的学龄前儿童宜及早给予适当治疗。     

The prosaics of figurative language in preschool: some observations and suggestions for research

In a significant work, Metaphor in educational discourse, Cameron has suggested that we study metaphor as 'prosaics' (i.e. as a feature of mundane talk). In this paper, by means of some brief examples, we point to instances of such talk in the setting of preschool. We also discuss opportunities for learning that such talk could offer children, and what the implications for the development of children's thinking and communication might be. In addition, some research questions concerning the study of children and figurative language are proposed.     

前囟闭合早晚与学龄前儿童身高发育轨迹的关联研究

目的 分析前囟闭合时间对学龄前儿童身高发育轨迹的影响。方法 采用回顾性队列研究方法,以140 710例学龄前儿童为研究对象。利用组基轨迹模型对研究对象2～6岁间身高发育轨迹进行拟合,并分为快速增长组（FG）、正常增长组（NG）和缓慢增长组（SG）。利用方差分析或卡方检验对多组连续变量或分类变量进行描述性分析,采用非条件logistic回归分析前囟闭合时间与身高发育轨迹分组间的关联性。结果 FG、NG和SG三组儿童的频数和百分比分别为34 722（24.68%）、81 904（58.21%）和24 084（17.11%）。与NG组和SG组相比,FG组12月龄前囟闭合率更高。男童1岁前囟门闭合的比例较女童更高,至18月龄时男女童的前囟闭合比例趋于一致。非条件logistic回归分析发现,以18月龄前囟闭合的对象为对照,与NG组相比,前囟在18月龄前闭合的儿童FG组可能性更高,如前囟12月龄闭合时FG组校正OR（95%CI）为1.15（1.11～1.20）;而前囟在18月龄后闭合的儿童SG组的可能性更高,如24月龄闭合时SG组校正OR（95%CI）分别1.16（1.12～1.20）。结论 与18月龄前囟闭合的儿童身高发育相比,前囟闭合较早的儿童学龄前期身高发育较快的可能性更大,前囟闭合较晚的儿童学龄前期身高发育较慢的可能性更大。     

The prevalence of obesity and the level of adherence to the Korean Dietary Action Guides in Korean preschool children

The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the degree of adherence to the Korean Dietary Action Guides for Children (KDAGC). In a cross-sectional study based on a child care center-based survey in Seoul, Korea, we collected parental-reported questionnaires (n = 2,038) on children''s weight and height, frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, and the quality of dietary and activity behaviors based on the 2009 KDAGC Adherence Index (KDAGCAI) which was developed as a composite measure of adherence to the KDAGC. Overweight and obesity were determined according to age- and sex-specific BMI percentile from the 2007 Korean national growth chart. Associations were assessed with generalized linear models and polytomous logistic regression models. Approximately 17.6% of Korean preschool children were classified as overweight or obese. Obese preschoolers had lower adherence to the KDAGCAI compared to those with lean/normal weight. Preschoolers with a high quality of dietary and activity behaviors had a 51% decreased odds ratio (OR) of being obese (highest vs. lowest tertile of KDAGCAI-score, 95% CI 0.31, 0.78; P = 0.001); the associations were more pronounced among those who were older (P = 0.048) and lived in lower income households (P = 0.014). A greater frequency of vegetable consumption, but not fruit, was associated with a borderline significant reduction in the prevalence of obesity. Our findings support the association between obesity prevention and high compliance with the Korean national dietary and activity guideline among preschool children.     

The design and evaluation of a preschool enrichment package for black South African children in day care

In this paper the rationale behind, and effectiveness of, an early enrichment package for young South African children in day care are examined. Results indicate that there are significant gains in children's competence with objects, and in their psychometric performance. However, some attention needs to be paid to the fact that the enrichment package increased children's levels of solitary play. The study illustrates the degree to which enrichment design can be informed and refined as a result of evaluative research.     

350名学龄前儿童体格生长和营养水平现状调查

目的了解重庆近郊学龄前儿童的体格生长和营养状况,为进一步在该地区实施营养素干预提供科学依据。方法采用分层与整群抽样相结合的方法,在重庆市巴南鱼洞镇7所规模﹥200名的幼儿园中随机选取3所中的所有3~6岁符合纳入标准的350名学龄前儿童;对纳入儿童的体格生长以及营养状况进行调查和评价。结果 34.26%学龄前儿童很少喝奶及奶制品(﹤2d/周),72.00%基本不吃内脏。低体重、生长迟缓、消瘦及超重或肥胖的儿童比例分别为3.14%,5.71%,6.86%和5.85%。儿童血红蛋白水平为(117.33±9.77)g/L,贫血发生率为25.14%。维生素A浓度为(1.23±0.25)μmol/L,维生素A缺乏及边缘型维生素A缺乏分别为1.14%和22.32%;儿童血清锌浓度为(12.22±7.00)g/L,儿童锌不足(血清Zn﹤10.7μmol/L)发生率为25.14%。维生素A水平与血红蛋白浓度呈显著性正相关(r=0.12,P=0.02),维生素A缺乏的儿童贫血发生率是维生素A水平正常儿童的2.32倍。结论该地区学龄前儿童典型的维生素A缺乏及中、重度贫血已不多见,但边缘型维生素A缺乏及轻度贫血发病率仍较高,儿童体格生长仍处较低水平。     

长春市学龄前儿童气质特性与行为偏异关系的研究

目的:探讨学龄前儿童气质特性与行为偏异发生的关系。方法:采用《NYLS3～7岁儿童气质问卷》及《Conners儿童行为家长问卷》对长春市7所幼儿园720人学龄前儿童进行测试。结果:行为偏异组中难养型的比例明显增多且气质特点在活动水平、规律性、趋避性、反应强度、情绪本质、注意分散度这6个气质维度的得分与无行为偏异儿童比较差异显著(P<0.05)。不同气质类型儿童在品行问题、心身障碍、冲动-多动、焦虑和多动指数、学习问题这5个因子的得分比较差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:行为偏异的儿童的气质类型以难养型居多并有其独特性,应根据其气质特点,采取相应的干预措施,预防行为问题的发生。     

Developing a policy for early childhood education: Challenges and constraints

Against a backcloth of patchy and uncoordinated provision for young children, this paper argues for the development of a national policy framework, within which services can be developed at a local level. Using examples from recent legislation and current initiatives in Britain, the paper puts forward a number of specific policy proposals around five main themes: a national policy that integrates or coordinates “care” and “education” at a structural level and within practice; responsibility for the provision of services as being shared by central and local government as well as the private sector and parents; how to ensure quality and equality of opportunity in meeting the needs of young children; how to make services responsive and accessible to parents; and the importance of ongoing training and support for staff.     

乌鲁木齐市维吾尔族学龄前儿童行为问题现状及影响因素分析

目的了解乌鲁木齐市维吾尔族学龄前儿童行为问题现况并探讨其影响因素。方法采用Connet＇s量表教师问卷（TRS）和自拟影响因素问卷，对乌鲁木齐市835名学龄前儿童的教师和家长进行问卷调查。结果维吾尔族学龄前儿童行为问题总检出率4．0％，男童为4．4％，女童为3．7％，性别之间无统计学差异（P〉0．01）。男童多动指数得分明显高于女童（P〈0．01），4岁儿童各因子得分均高于其他年龄（P〈0．01）。行为问题发生的影响因素有：带养人、父亲职业、母亲职业、父母工作繁忙否、儿童的分娩情况和发育情况等。结论家庭环境和生物因素对维吾尔族学龄前儿童行为问题的发生有重要影响，应采取综合防治措施。     

Examining the effects of adapted peer tutoring on social and language skills of young English language learners

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of adapted peer tutoring (APT) on social interactions and early language and literacy skills of pre-school-age children who were English language learners (ELLs). APT was the treatment for this study. Quasi-experimental group comparison design was applied. Two inclusive pre-school classrooms were randomly assigned as the experimental group and two other classrooms were assigned as the comparison group. A total of 75 children participated in this study. The ELLs from the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement than their peers from the comparison group in positive social interaction behaviour, receptive language, and print knowledge. The total effect indicated that children's social interaction behaviour moderately mediated the APT effectiveness on language acquisition.     

深圳市学前儿童气质特征及其对行为发育和社会生活能力的影响

目的探讨深圳市学前儿童气质特征及其与行为发育和社会生活能力的相关性。方法使用儿童气质量表(PTQ)、Achenbach儿童行为量表(CBCL)及婴儿-初中生社会生活能力量表,以向家长和幼师发放问卷的形式,对467名3～6岁儿童进行了气质、行为及社会生活能力调查。结果易养型(E)、难养型(D)、启动缓慢型(S)三类气质特征儿童的构成比分别为606%、291%和103%;D型和S型儿童的行为问题和社会生活能力低下的检出率显著高于E型。结论学前儿童气质特征对其行为表现和社会生活能力有重要的影响。提示要培养儿童具有良好的行为方式与社会生活能力,必须了解其气质特点,并根据气质因材施教。