English Language Proficiency, Parental Social Network, and Social Competence of Asian American Preschoolers in Head Start Preschools

• In Event: 63.085 - Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: 63.085-6 - Early Education and Child Development SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Schools in the U.S. are confronted with an unprecedented increase in ethnic diversity, with children in immigrant families accounting for about 25 percent of children living in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). Yet very little is known about school readiness for young children in immigrant families, especially Asian American families. The present study aims to explore how limited English language proficiency and parental social network can help or hinder Asian American preschool children’s peer interactions at schools. Participants were 106 children and families from Head Start programs in the Los Angeles areas. Correlational analyses showed that children with limited English proficiency played well with their peers but most parents did not know other parents at school.

Author

• Linda Lee, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo