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Arrival time behavior of two-year-olds in child care

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Abstract

Twenty two-year-old children enrolled in a full day child care program were observed as they entered each morning to determine their behavior as they separated from their parents. Over 50% of the entrances involved children showing signs of contentment by waving and smiling. Fifty-five percent of the separations involved children using materials that were available in the classroom, most often sensory materials such as sand, water, and playdoh. The second most frequent separation aid was the use of transitional objects such as stuffed animals, blankets, and other toys brought from home. As a result of the observations, recommendations are made to assist caregivers in making arrival time easier for children, parents, and teachers.

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King, M.A., Perrin, M.S. Arrival time behavior of two-year-olds in child care. Child Youth Care Forum 16, 235–240 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01085826

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