Children's school readiness in kindergarten : teachers' perceptions in the years 1998 and 2005

This study presents different types of children's adjustment at a crucial moment in their development. The school readiness of 10 867 kindergarten children was assessed by kindergarten teachers in 1998 and 2005. Cluster analysis yielded four different profiles : mature, adjustment difficulties, learning difficulties and at risk children. Teachers' perceptions of children's school readiness vary according to children's personal, family and educational characteristics. Comparative analysis of 1998 and 2005 assessments show that children's school readiness profiles have not changed for children attending schools in low socioeconomic areas. These results are discussed in light of research on child development in school settings.