Áhrif leikskóladvalar og atvinnuþáttöku mæðra á þroska leikskólabarna

Abstract

Results from two studies are reported. In the first study (N=33), verbal, motor and personal-social development of two groups of children were compared within the same preschool, one from a Montessori-unit and the other from a conventional unit. No developmental differences were found between children of the two preschool units. Children of employed mothers showed more developmental progress in several develpmental domains than children of mothers working at home, especially girls. The period of stay in preschool had general effects on the children's development, but boys benefited more from a longer stay than girls. In the latter study (N=\01) effects of different periods of stay in preschool and employment of mothers on their children's development were further observed. Children of employed mothers were superior to children of homemakers in fine motor skills. In general, girls were superior to boys and scored higher on several developmental areas. However, no developmental difference was found between children staying for a short and a long period of time in preschool.