Challenging Behaviors
Preschool as a Contributing or Ameliorating Factor?
March 1, 2007
Summary
What is the evidence for young children’s challenging behaviors in relation to their preschool experience? Is preschool experience related to increased challenging behaviors, such as aggression, in young children? Or can preschool actually be a positive experience that leads to fewer challenging behaviors?
This report reviews the research evidence as well as research-proven approaches that reduce challenging behaviors. Policy recommendations are made that can lead to better behavioral outcomes for children in preschool settings.
The Authors
In her work, Dr. Frede applies what she has learned throughout her varied career in early childhood education, including experience as a teacher of ages 0-8, curriculum and professional development specialist at the HighScope Foundation, teacher educator at The College of New Jersey, researcher, pre-k administrator for the New Jersey Department of Education, education lead in a large Head Start grantee and early learning lead at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.