Patterns and Predictors of School Readiness and Early Childhood Success among Young Children in Black Immigrant Families

Using national data for a birth cohort of American children (the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort), this study aims to describe the early childhood experiences of second-generation African and Caribbean immigrants and to examine the link between these experiences and children's early academic skills during the transition to school. The authors identify the contextual factors — such as family circumstances, parenting practices, and enrollment in center-based child care — that encourage early school success, helping fill a significant gap in knowledge about the early childhood experiences of young children in Black immigrant families.

Good health practices on the part of Black immigrant mothers may explain the generally positive health outcomes observed among their children. In addition to investing in health, Black immigrant parents are also strongly oriented toward education for their children. One general implication of this work is that strategies to promote positive outcomes among children of Black immigrants should build on existing strengths.