Effects of age of entry, day-care quality, and family characteristics on preschool behavior.

Teachers evaluated 155 4-5-year-old children attending Montréal day-care centers of excellent (N = 51), average (N = 60), or low (N = 44) quality using behavioral scales. Age of entry to day-care was also considered. Center quality was assessed by two observers using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. Results point to the positive effects of longer exposure to high-quality group day-care (increased interest-participation), and the negative effects of longer exposure to low-quality centers (increased anger-defiance). Positive or negative family characteristics contributed further to these effects.