Child-specific interaction quality at the first and last year of preschool and its relationship to preschool, child, and family characteristics – an empirical perspective using the inCLASS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Interaction processes in preschools have been mostly studied at group-level and not at child-level – which means that interactions of whole groups of children have been investigated, but not individual children’s experiences. Therefore, this paper analyses child-specific interaction processes, the individual child experiences at first and last preschool year, and which aspects (preschool, child and family characteristics) are associated with these child-specific processes. Information on child-specific processes 160 children experienced at age 3.5 years (t1) and 5.5 years (t2) in German preschools were used. The child-specific interaction quality was measured with a standardized observation instrument – the Individualized Classroom Assessment Scoring System. Information on preschool, child and family characteristics were assessed via teacher questionnaires and parent interviews. Results demonstrate children experience slightly different levels of child-specific interaction in their first and last preschool years, and that preschool characteristics are of different importance for child-specific interaction quality in the first and last preschool year.