Pre-school Teachers' Perceived Control and Intention to Act Regarding Child Behaviour Problems

Pre-school teachers' perceived control over child behaviour was investigated in a sample of 188 pre-school teachers. High perceived control was related to teachers' high intentions to act in case of child behaviour problems. Subjective conditions (job-satisfaction, centre quality, social recognition, satisfaction with education) were related to teachers' perceived control over child behaviour while objective conditions such as length of professional experience and educational level were not. Perceived control was found to mediate between the subjective condition of centre quality and teacher readiness to respond to child behaviour problems. The questionnaire that measured teachers' perceived control over child behaviour was found to be a promising tool in our search for knowledge about teachers' handling of child behaviour problems.     

Child health

Children in Spain are considered as being a population group with few health problems and needs therefore making it almost invisible in research and services' planning. Generally, it is not taken into account that this is a development period with very high vulnerability to physical and psychosocial risks whereas there is a positive response to protective factors. This article covers some data and thoughts on their health problems that are improving (mortality, cancer), those that persist or worsen (environmental quality, abuse, mental health, obesity, disabilities and lifestyles) and new challenges relating to quality of life and gender and social class equity. Responses provided by the health services are reviewed, as are environmental policies and health promotion and specific care is proposed for boys' and girls' health from a children's human rights-focused perspective.     

Child health

Current provision for children's health involves many different professions in many different locations. Managers must find local solutions to improve the organisation of services which will lead to better and more coordinated health care.