The relationship of socioeconomic status and family structure to physical and psychological growth was investigated among urban African preschool children. A total of 300 children between 3 and 7 years of age were tested on the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. Height and weight were measured and information about children's background was obtained from their primary caretaker through interviews or questionnaires. Findings indicated that performance on the test was related only to the educational levels of mother and father. No other socioeconomic or family variables investigated were associated with the ability measures. Physical growth was indirectly related to socioeconomic status through its association with household size and father absence. No relationship was found between physical growth and psychological performance. (Author/RH)