Contextual Factors Influencing the Sociability of Preschool Children with Disabilities in Integrated and Segregated Classrooms
This study compared the contextual classroom features of public school segregated classrooms and community-based integrated classrooms for preschool children with disabilities, examining the relations between classroom characteristics and child sociability. A total of 16 children were pair-matched and observed in their classrooms. Results showed that the contexts of the two classroom conditions were similar. Differences in child sociability were not found. Solitary play and antisocial behaviors were infrequently observed. The findings suggested a significant relationship between teacher verbal prompting and child sociability. Children were much more likely to talk to their peers when a verbal prompt was given. The study presented implications for the educational placements of preschool children.