hese programs. School districts are developing new preschool programs, and existing community-based childcare and Head Start programs are often used. Each of the programs must meet standards of the New Jersey Department of Education. Pre-K programs must include services that address parent needs and include children with disabilities (NGA Center for Best Practices, 2005). While these programs are geared toward assisting parents and preschool children, it remains unclear whether this goal is achieved. Parent and teacher views are required to fully understand if the programs are effectively filling their needs as well as the childrenÆs needs. In addition information regarding parent and teacher views of the preschool childÆs needs is sparse, pointing to the need for the current study.
The research questions are as follows:
What types of preschool programs do parents and teachers prefer and why?
What are parent and teacher views of local state funded preschool programs, and local pre-school programs not funded by the state?
3. What are parent, teacher, and child needs and which are met and/or unmet by preschool programs?
1. There will be a significant difference between parents and teachers regarding preferences for state funded preschools.
2. There will be a significant difference between parents and teachers regarding preferences for full-time programs.
3. There will be a significant difference between parents and teachers regarding preferences for on-site preschools.
4a. There will be significant differences between parents and teachers regarding beliefs that preschools must provide for disability needs of the child.
4b. There will be significant differences between parents and teachers regarding beliefs that preschools must provide for physical needs of the child.
4c. There will be significant differences between parents and teachers regarding beliefs that preschools must pr...