5570V - Early childhood development risks and protective factors in vulnerable preschool children from low-income communities

Age-appropriate early childhood development is greatly influenced by exposure to various mediating and moderating factors. Developmental outcomes cannot be viewed in isolation, but by considering the interaction of the various risks and protective factors that influence early childhood development. Families in the current study were from a vulnerable, low-income population with exposure to multiple risks and adversities. The current study aimed to describe the risks and protective factors that influence early childhood development in vulnerable children who are already attending preschool. The effect of these risks will be explored and further discussed with regards to early childhood development. Identifying the various factors may contribute to strategies in interventions that occur in a timely manner, towards optimal developmental outcomes.