An investigation of the protective factors present among low-income preschool children

Abstract

The majority of children who do well in life despite the adversity and the exposure to poverty are said to be resilient. These are the children who are able to thrive despite the risks in their lives. Researchers have identified protective factors within individuals that help to promote resilience and prevent negative outcomes. This research project is an investigation of the protective factors present among low-income preschool children. Knowledge of these protective factors is necessary for the development of classroom strategies which promote and foster them, thus adding to the choice of effective strategies to help routinely meet the needs of at risk students in the school environment. There were four research objectives for this study. They were: (1) Assess the resiliency attributes of low-income preschool children; (2) Examine what protective factors are stronger and comparatively weaker among the group; (3) Examine the implications of resilience for social and emotional kindergarten readiness; and (5) Suggest classroom strategies for teaching and support staff in early childhood environments programs that support and reinforce protective factors in low-income children.