Kindergarten Research Project

Funded by a grant from The Alliance for Childhood, the Kindergarten Research Project was carried out by Jan Drucker and Barbara Schecter, with Margery Franklin as consultant and with student research assistants. A bifocal study, the project examined the nature of play as observed during “free choice” periods during the kindergarten day, as well as the attitudes and behaviors of teachers that can be seen as facilitating the extent and depth of play in their classrooms. Additionally, interviews with principals and teachers yielded data about the demographics of the schools and districts, how kindergarten programs are mandated and/or planned, and what they think about the current status of play and other aspects of child life in kindergarten. A full report of the research was submitted to the Alliance for Childhood and included in the national report produced by the Alliance, Crisis in Kindergarten: Why Children Need to Play in School.