Participation Patterns of Ethnic Groups of Children Enrolled in Head Start Programs

Abstract

Participation in activities is essential to the development of skills and social relationships. Children from different ethnic backgrounds living in poverty often experience limited access to participation opportunities. Sixty parents of children (20 Caucasian, 20 Hispanic, 20 Native American) enrolled in Head Start programs completed the Assessment of Preschool Children’s Participation. Significant differences in skill development activities were found between ethnic groups and between genders. No differences were found in other areas of participation. To effectively promote the participation of children from different ethnic groups living in poverty, occupational therapists need to collaborate with parents within their cultural context.

Keywords:

• assessment
• participation
• children
• ethnicity

Acknowledgments

We thank the parents of children participating in the study and for the support of the Head Start programs where they were enrolled.