Citation

Zimiles H. Early Child Res. Q. 1986; 1(3): 189-206.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-2006(86)90029-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Changing ideas about the role of early education increasingly point toward universal preschool education for all children. This discussion examines issues concerning the long-term effects of preschool experiences and suggests that the value of early education will vary as a function of a matrix of factors including program quality, the vulnerability of individual children, and family needs. The achievements and limitations of evaluation research are described within the context of possible deleterious effects of preschool education. Emphasis is given to the importance of developing ideographic methods of study to achieve more valid assessments of children's response to early education.