Preschoolers' Mathematics Skills and Behavior: Analysis of a National Sample

.This study investigated the association between children's mathematical skills and their behavior in the prekindergarten year in a national sample of children attending center-based child care. The sample consisted of approximately 5,400 preschoolers in center-based care from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Birth Cohort. Children's math ability was assessed and child care providers rated children's behaviors. Results revealed that teacher ratings of approaches to learning behaviors were associated with mathematical skills. Implications for early education and research are discussed.