title: Longitudinal effects of a two-generation preschool programme on receptive language skill in low-income Canadian children to age 10 years.
abstract: We explored longitudinal effects of a two-generation preschool programme on receptive language scores in children (n= 78) at age 10 years, living with low income. Scores at four time-points, programme intake, exit, age 7, and age 10 years were measured using thePeabody picture vocabulary test(3rd ed.). Effects of culture (Aboriginal, other Canadian-born, and recent immigrant), and gender of the children were explored. Between programme intake and age 10, scores improved significantly,F(3, 75) = 21.11,p< .0005. There were significant differences among cultural groups at all time-points except age 10. Scores differed significantly for girls, but not boys, at age 10,F= 5.11,p= .01. Recent immigrant boys reached the Canadian average, while girls were two-thirds of the standard deviation below average. Early intervention programmes must include a focus on the unique circumstances of recent immigrant girls; supportive transition workers in schools are one recommendation.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Muhammad Kashif
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1321-0619
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Mughal
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Carla S
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8343-1388
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ginn
authors.affiliation: Strategic Initiatives, Calgary Urban Project Society , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Benzies
keywords: Preschool children; cross-cultural comparison; family; poverty