The objective of the present study is to capture children's voices to compare traditional half-day and play-based full-day kindergarten children's perspectives on two research questions: What is important about kindergarten, and what is your favourite thing about school? Children's responses were compared for emerging academic and social themes.…

In the first longitudinal, population-based study of full-day kindergarten (FDK) outcomes beyond primary school in Canada, we used linked administrative data to follow 15 kindergarten cohorts (n ranging from 112 to 736) up to grade 9. Provincial assessments conducted in grades 3, 7, and 8 and course marks and credits earned in grade 9 were…

In this study, we explored the influence of kindergarten children's perspectives of school on their literacy and self-regulation outcomes. Children's early perspectives were captured in a three-question, finger-puppet interview. Responses to the interview questions were coded thematically as being academic and/or social in nature, and were…

We explored longitudinal effects of a two-generation preschool programme on receptive language scores in children (n = 78) at age 10 years, living with low income. Scores at four time-points, programme intake, exit, age 7, and age 10 years were measured using the "Peabody picture vocabulary test" (3rd ed.). Effects of culture…

The general objective of this study was to assess parents' perceptions of their preschooler's body weight, and the association between children's current weight status and parental feeding strategies. A sample of 150 parents of three- to five-year-old children (72 girls and 78 boys) completed questionnaires on sociodemographic information,…

Multivariate analyses were conducted to clarify the nature of the influences of parental values on social behaviours of kindergarteners in the context of socio-demographic variables and sex of participants. This study included 217 mothers and 172 fathers from the same families, who completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and a new Q-sort that…

Similarities and differences between two cry clinics in Canada and New Zealand are offered, an example of a typical first session is provided, and some current issues are raised. (Author/KS)

Reports on children's literature and its role in teacher education in Canada. Uses data from a 1987-88 national survey of teachers of children's literature in Canadian colleges and universities. Compares children's literature courses taught in teacher training programs. (NH)

Examined education of children in Tanzania, United States, and Canada and immigrant parents' views on their child's transition to new educational system. Found that Tanzanian children who came to North America to continue schooling came mostly from public schools or child care centers, most with high educational aspirations. Factors inhibiting…

Examined performance of Canadian French- and English-speaking preschoolers on four number tasks. Found that French-speaking preschoolers performed more poorly on rote-counting and number-recognition than English-speaking preschoolers. Found no difference between groups on counting objects. Variability in counting and number recognition was…

Reports effects of three different types of high and low quality child care in Canada: licensed and unlicensed family day care, and licensed center care. Examines the relationship among preschool environments, family background, and children's development. Suggests that although all three variables are significant, family background may be the…