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The Influence Of Model Infant Group Care On Parent/Child Interaction At Home., Carolyn Edwards, Mary Ellin Logue, Sandra Loehr, Sanford Roth

Mary Ellin Logue

The effects of day care participation on parent-child interaction at home were assessed using a university-based, half-day, high-quality infant-toddler program. Hypotheses concerned whether "child-centered" features of the physical and social environment were carried over by parents to the home. Nineteen matched pairs of center and noncenter children (ages 2-24 months at start) were followed for 8 months. All had employed or student mothers. Methods included brief parent-reported "spot" observations, a videotaped observation of a bathing or feeding routine, and home environment assessments. Parents showed few group differences during the first half of the study period. At study end, however, center …