The Relationship Between the Quality of Early Childhood Education and Care and Self-Regulation in Toddlers: Comparison Between Toddlers with Symptoms of a Clinical Condition and a Reference Group

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between the process quality of Early Child Education and Care (ECEC) provisions and self-regulation in toddlers. Additionally, a group showing symptoms of a clinical condition will be compared to a reference group with either no symptoms or symptoms related to other conditions, such as lingual impairments or emotional problems. Method. Observations were done by using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Toddler. In addition, toddlers have executed several tasks to measure their executive functions which are the underlying constructs of self-regulation. Results. A significant relationship has been found between the quality of ECEC and self-regulation in toddlers. However, no moderation effect was found with respect to the different groups. Discussion. This study indicates that the quality of ECEC is positively related to self-regulation in toddlers. Nonetheless, further research is recommended to obtain a better insight in this relationship with respect to toddlers who show symptoms of a clinical condition.