Goodness-of-Fit Between a 1-Year-Old’s Behavioral Tendencies and the Form of Child Care

The goodness-of-fit model suggests that interplay between a child’s behavioral tendencies and their environment, such as early childhood education and care (ECEC) context, is a key factor in promoting child’s well-being in early childhood. Using survey data from Finnish parents with a 1-year-old child, we investigate: differences in seven behavioral tendencies (e.g., Activity level, Irritability) among children in different forms of childcare; variations in children’s enjoyment in ECEC by form of ECEC and behavioral tendencies; and whether the form of ECEC moderates the relationship between behavioral tendencies and enjoyment in ECEC. Research Findings: Children’s behavioral tendencies varied across childcare forms, including parental care, informal home-based care, and formal ECEC arrangements. Children’s enjoyment in ECEC was related to both their behavioral tendencies and ECEC form. Enjoyment was higher in formal family daycare than in ECEC centers. Children who were more social and showed lower levels of inhibition and insecurity tended to enjoy ECEC more. The ECEC form did not moderate the relationship between behavioral tendencies and enjoyment. Practice or Policy: Findings underline the need for ECEC service coordinators and practitioners to consider children’s behavioral tendencies when planning their care experience and means to support their well-being in different care contexts.