Outcome of behaviour problems in the preschool setting

A sample of 2-4-year-old children attending four local authority day nurseries and 10 nursery school classes was screened for the presence of behaviour problems using the Preschool Behaviour Checklist which is completed by nursery staff. The screening was repeated 20 months later on 79% (300) and 66% (109) of the original nursery school and day nursery samples respectively. Initially, 11% of the former and 35% of the latter were rated as showing significant difficulties. Problems persisted in 10% of the original nursery school and 58% of the original day nursery children. The appearance of new cases did not differ significantly between the two groups. Factors associated with persistence and with development of problems are discussed.