Kindergarten performance of children born at risk.

Conducted a longitudinal study of 20 children born with medical complications and 15 normal children to assess the effects of home environment on development in high-risk Ss. Ss were studied from birth to completion of kindergarten. Pre- and postkindergarten Ss completed the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), the Peabody Individual Achievement Test, 2 vocabulary and 2 syntax batteries, and an adaptive behavior scale. Data indicate that high-risk Ss exhibited early deficiencies in social, emotional, and cognitive functioning that decreased during kindergarten. It is suggested that adequate home environment may minimize impairment for high-risk Ss. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)