CAN THE AGE OF ENTRY INTO CHILD-CARE AND THE QUALITY OF CHILD-CARE PREDICT ADJUSTMENT IN KINDERGARTEN

Influences of age of child-care entry, quality of care, and family characteristics on social adjustment were contrasted in a longitudinal study of 80 children. Children at the toddler, preschool, and kindergarten periods and adult socialization in toddler period were assessed. Early-entry children in lowquality care had the most difficulty with peers in preschool and were distractible, low in task orientation, and less considerate of others in kindergarten. In 29 families observed prior to child-care entry, parents who would subsequently enroll children in low vs. high quality care had more complex lives and used less appropriate socialization practices. Family socialization best predicted outcomes in children enrolled after infancy, and teacher socialization best predicted outcomes in children enrolled prior to 12 months.