ERIC Number: ED339539
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991
Pages: 56
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-0-908916-15-9
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Collaborative Pilot Study of Children Aged under Two and a Half Years from Two Regional Playcentre Associations in New Zealand.
Podmore, Valerie N.
This pilot study investigated methods for meeting the needs of children under 2.5 years of age who attend play centers with older children. Also studied were the effects of the toddlers' presence on the other children, parent helpers, and supervisors. Advisors at each of 27 play centers in New Zealand completed a questionnaire with the help of center supervisors and observed a total of 112 children during play center sessions. The questionnaire addressed provisions made for toddlers in regards to supervision, facilities and safety, physical needs, equipment, interactions with adults, and parent education. The questionnaire also addressed the impact of toddlers on other children and adults. Results indicated that: (1) supervisors thought that the centers had suitable equipment for toddlers; (2) transfer of materials from one part of the center to another occurred infrequently; (3) more training workshops were needed; and (4) the presence of both toddlers and older children in centers benefitted children's social development. Results of the observations indicated that more nurturing than obstructive behavior occurred between toddlers and older children, and that adults who interacted with toddlers were usually the child's parents. Appendixes include copies of the study's procedural guidelines, the questionnaire, and a play center observation form. (BC)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: New Zealand Playcentre Federation, Inc., Wellington.
Authoring Institution: New Zealand Council for Educational Research, Wellington.
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A