Behavioral competence of maltreated children in child care

The behavioral competence of 39 preschool age maltreated children from 13 child care facilities was examined to determine the extent to which the children's behavioral development was related to the quality of child care service. Maltreated children assigned to three different types of child care facilities were observed: specialized day care programs, regular day care centers, and family day homes. Ratings of the quality of care received in child care were significantly correlated with the children's social competence in child care. Aspects of social behavior in maltreated children were related to the organization of the program, the physical facilities, traits of the caregiver, and caregiver expectations for the children.