IEA Preprimary Study: Early Childhood Care and Education in 11 Countries

by Patricia P. Olmsted (Editor), David P. Weikart (Editor)

Overview

Today, nations throughout the world lack detailed information about the arrangements families make for the care or education of their pre-school aged children. The present volume addresses this problem by presenting information from Phase 1 of the IEA Preprimary Project, which conducted household surveys with representative samples of families with 4-year-olds in the following 11 countries: Belgium, the People's Republic of China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Nigeria, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, and the United States. Using a jointly-developed 50-minute parent/guardian interview, researchers in each country collected information about what settings families choose for the care/education of their 4-year-old children, why families choose these particular settings, and what problems they encounter with the settings. Families were also asked how many out-of-home settings their child typically attends each week and how long the child spends in these settings. In addition, interviewers gathered data about the family background (e.g. parental education and occupation) and asked parents to describe their child's routine for a typical 24-hour period. This volume of findings from the IEA Preprimary Project will be useful to early childhood professionals and researchers as well as to policymakers concerned with family and educational issues. One chapter presents information about group settings in various nations, including their sponsorship, the auxiliary services they offer and the extent of home-setting communication. Since the study is cross-national, it is possible to examine each nation's findings within a broader context and thus perhaps see new options for program planning and operation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780080419343
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Publication date:	05/26/1995
Series:	International Studies in Educational Achievement , #12
Edition description:	1st ed
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.55(d)

Table of Contents

Tables. Figures. Acknowledgements. Preface. A word about IEA. The IEA Preprimary Project: obtaining knowledge to improve the quality of children's early experiences (M. Crahay). Methodology of the Phase 1 study (P.P. Olmsted et al.). The Phase 1 national samples (P.P. Olmsted). Study findings: families' weekly use of early childhood services (O. Onibokun, P.P. Olmsted). Study findings: use of organized facilities (M. Ojala, S. Opper). Study findings: children's daily routines (A. Delhaxhe et al.). A nation-by-nation look at the findings (P.P. Olmsted). Questions answered, questions raised—a summary (D.P. Weikart). Appendix A: supplementary tables. Appendix B: IEA Preprimary Project Phase 1 national research centers and coordinators.

Editorial Reviews

An analysis of early childhood care and education based on information obtained from studies in eleven countries with relatively low infant mortality rates, where education and care may be focused on rather than mere survival. Key comparisons include the setting that families choose for the care and education of their four year-olds, why families choose particular settings, and what problems they encounter with the settings. Numerous charts and tables present the relevant data. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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