Ethnicity and special support in preschool

Children with other ethnicity than Swedish are overrepresented among children with behavior problems in preschool, but more seldom receive special support. Children with other ethnicity is also less engaged in health promoting activities and more seldom involved in positive interaction. This increases the risk of psychosocial and school problems. Support to children with behavior problems is rarely focused on children’s engagement. In this project, we study the relationship between behavior problems, engagement, and special support in preschool over time. Observations are conducted of staff and children in groups with different numbers of children with other ethnicity. Interviews are performed to study how staff interpret guidelines and organize special support for children with other ethnicity. Children with other ethnicity are interviewed of how they perceive their own strengths and difficulties in relation to engagement, and support from staff.