This study evaluated whether parenting and childcare experience across infancy and toddlerhood were associated with children's reading, math, and social-behavioural skills prior to kindergarten entry. Analyses also examined whether race or ethnicity moderated associations. A representative sample of Hispanic, Black, and White children from the…

Children's book-sharing and oral storytelling experiences were examined in 264 4-year-olds from low-income African-American, Dominican, Mexican, and Chinese families in the United States. Mothers reported on children's book-sharing and oral storytelling experiences with mothers, fathers, and other people (siblings, grandparents, relatives, and…

The present study explores actor and partner effects on mothers' and fathers' cognitive stimulation within an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). This model allows us to evaluate whether mothers' and fathers' practices are impacted not only by their own experiences but also by their partners' experiences. The APIM treats the couple as the…

Latino children often struggle in school. Early childhood education programmes are seen as critical for fostering children's school readiness. Latino families often choose family childcare (FCC) over centre-based childcare (CBC), yet little is known about the school readiness of Latino children attending FCC. We compared school readiness over the…

This study compared dimensions of independence and interdependence in parents' beliefs about daily child-rearing practices across four ethnic groups. Two questionnaires were completed by 310 parents of preschool-age children, and three belief constructs were identified. "Conformity" was least valued by European Americans. "Autonomy" was equally…

Provides descriptive data on mother/infant interaction in two ethnic and maternal age groups. Participants were 32 lower-income Black and Cuban-American, teenage and adult mothers and their 12-month-old infants. Cuban-American mothers demonstrated a task with verbalization significantly more often than did Black mothers. Adult mothers showed a…

Discusses definitions of family; forms of language and communication; and beliefs about health, illness, and disability that need to be understood by those involved in early intervention programs for young children with disabilities and their families. (PCB)

Reviews traditional cultural values, learning styles, and problems in identifying ethnic groups in the United States. Recommends alternative techniques and strategies in assessing culturally diverse exceptional children. (Author/CI)

Discusses the importance of cultural sensitivity in work with parents who may be dysfunctional or inappropriate in their child rearing practices. (PCB)