Though violence in schools is a highly topical issue, very few studies have examined the issue in early years classrooms in the Caribbean. Using Jamaica and Belize as case studies, four teachers were interviewed to ascertain how they respond to children from harsh ecological environments in which they teach. Using thematic analysis, the findings…

This study, comprising three sub-studies, aims to examine how child-rearing practices vary according to different social circumstances in Japan. By comparing teacher-child interaction at mealtimes in day care centres both on an isolated small island located in Okinawa prefecture, Tarama, and in a large industrialised city, Tokyo, the following was…

The purpose of the study is to compare environmental attitudes and experiences of five-year-old children receiving preschool education in the village and city centre. The first group comprised 54 five-year-old children who received preschool education and attended kindergartens of two primary schools in the Karateke and Kocabas villages of Honaz…

The aim of the study was to examine differences in children's generalised trust and the maternal behaviour, child temperament, and demographic factors on the levels of trust in children. A total of 314 mothers and their children participated in the study. Results showed no evidence of sex differences in children's beliefs. Children living in urban…

This study examined parental demand for early childhood education (ECE) in relation to choice and access to early childhood programmes in Tanzania. Extensive analyses of both Government and privately written documents over the past decade were used to determine parental demand, choice and access to ECE. The literature revealed that although…

This study used pedometry and the Children Activity Rating Scale (CARS) to investigate physical activity among 3- to 5-year-olds in Hong Kong preschools. Findings indicated that older children were more active than younger ones; boys were more active than girls. Older children in the rural school with larger outdoor play space were more active…

This study investigated how 196 black South African 7- to 14-year olds living in rural, urban, and semi-urban areas perceived events surrounding the country's political transformation. Content analysis of interviews conducted shortly after the first general election revealed that perceptions and understanding of events increased in sophistication…

Development occurs according to the rhythm that is established by the genetic potential and the influence of environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the child's residence area and maternal education on child's motor development. Eight hundred children (384 boys and 416 girls, aged 37-72 months), randomly…

Examined social behaviors of Head Start children from high- or low-quality classrooms in urban or rural settings. Found that maternal depression related to fewer parent-reported positive social behaviors and more problem behaviors. Parent-reported home violence related to fewer teacher-reported disruptive behaviors. Higher quality classrooms had…

Describes the present status of early childhood education in Turkey, contrasting the provision of government-supported preschools and increased formal educational opportunities in urban areas with the lack of preschool education in rural areas. The important role of primary teachers in rural villages is also discussed, as well as new government…