There is question and concern that behavior problems that affect preschoolers may continue to affect them later in life. These behavior problems may compromise their later chances in school. Young children who are emotionally unstable and attend school while persistently sad, withdrawn, or that have disruptive behaviors may receive less instruction. These children will also have fewer chances to interact with their peer group and not be receptive to peer-based learning. Children who are disruptive and sad also risk loosing out on being an active learner. Children who come from a lower economic background have a much greater disadvantage than other children. Early childhood represents a particularly important time to target children’s risk of behavior problems through proper guidance and discipline. There is a great need for preschool classrooms where processes are able to support a young child’s emotional and behavioral development. Low-income children who attend a lower quality preschool do show an emotional and behavioral adjustment and are placed at a substantially greater risk in the long run (Magnuson, & Waldfogel, 2007). This shows us that even though the intentions to teach the child where there, we may be doing more harm to the child then help. It is imperative to learn whether interventions that target social-emotional development in preschool can avert the risk of higher behavior problems among low-income children while also supporting their emotional, behavioral, and academic adjustment. Children who are exposed to a wide range of psychosocial stressors such as living in a poor neighborhood are at a greater risk for developing emotional and behaviors issues. These children also have minimal access to mental health services (Fantuzzo et al., 1999).
Early childhood is quite possibly the most important time to target children’s risk of behavior problems. Evidence regarding the