Combined Child are and Preschool: What Level of Participation is needed to Improve School Readiness for Disadvantaged Children?
Flinders University
Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation
Dr Susan Krieg
Project Summary
There is increasing evidence that combined care and preschool programs can improve "school readiness" among socially disadvantaged children by stimulating their cognitive, socio-emotional and behavioural development. However, there is little information about the level of participation needed by children to achieve effective outcomes. This study will examine the impact of different levels of participation in combined child care and preschool programs and the extent to which the effectiveness of combined programs is influenced by (i) the level of participation by children, (ii) the family and social characteristics of children and (iii) the quality of the learning program being offered.
