The ECLS-B was designed to describe the earliest experiences and relationships in children's lives. The study provides descriptive data on 1) children's health status at birth and at regular intervals during early childhood; 2) children's growth and development in critical domains; 3) children's transitions to child care and early childhood education programs and kindergarten; 4) father involvement; and 5) school readiness. The longitudinal nature of the study enables researchers to study children's physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development and to relate children's growth and development to their early learning environment.
Children's early growth, development, and readiness for school are influenced by many health factors. Variations in children's development are examined in light of their health status and care, both prenatally and since birth. Additionally, the ECLS-B describes the prevalence rates of several health conditions (e.g., asthma), special needs, and practices (e.g., regular health care), service receipt, as well as changes in children's health status.
The ECLS-B is interested in children's development during the critical years before school. The study seeks to better understand children's physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development in relation to important influences in their lives (e.g., mother's prenatal behavior, health care, home environment, child care environment and school environment). Direct cognitive and physical assessments enable analysis of child development and the early learning environment over time.
Of particular interest to the ECLS-B is the transition that occurs as young children first receive care regularly from persons other than their parents. Transitions of interest include the transitions to a group-based early childhood program, and from preschool to kindergarten entry.
The role both parents play in the lives of their children is of special interest to the ECLS-B. Fathers, as well as mothers, influence their children's development. Fathers' involvement in their children's lives is examined by directly gathering information from the fathers themselves. The ECLS-B captures information about activities that fathers engage in with their children as well as their feelings about being a father.
For most children, the first formal school experience is kindergarten. However, the nature of children's early experiences in and before kindergarten is quite variable, and expectations for children differ across programs. The ECLS-B examines children's preparation for school by prospectively studying the different characteristics of children, their families, and their out-of-home care and educational experiences.
