Acknowledgements
Abstract
Chapter 1 Introduction
Background
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Questions
Delimitations and Limitations
Delimitations
Limitations
Key Terms
Chapter 2 Literature Review
School Readiness
Conceptualizations of school readiness
Factors influencing children's school readiness
Parental Perceptions
Parental perceptions and school readiness
Parental Involvement
Conceptualizations of parental involvement
Parental involvement and school readiness
Parental involvement and school readiness in Chinese families in the U.S.
Theoretical Framework
Social constructivist theory of child development
Epstein's model of parental involvement
The NEGP early childhood development dimensions
Chapter 3 Methodology
Research Method
Research Design
Research Questions
Population
Sampling
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Validity
Reliability
Chapter 4 Results
Description of the Participants
Findings
Theme 1: parents' roles
Theme 2: major factors effective in children's school readiness
Theme 3: parental involvement in children's school readiness
Theme 4: practices in conquering barriers in children's school readiness
Theme 5 : factors that affect Chinese parents' involvement
Theme 6: suggestions concerning children's school readiness
Summary
Chapter 5 Discussion, Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations
Discussion of Core Themes
Theme 1: parents' roles in children's school readiness
Theme 2: major factors effective in children's school readiness
Theme 3: parental involvement in children's school readiness
Theme 4: practices in conquering barriers in children's school readiness
Theme 5: factors that affect Chinese parents'involvement
Theme 6: suggestions concerning children's school readiness
Conclusions
Implications
Implications for preschool programming and kindergarten programming
Implications for incoming Chinese parents
Implications for community sources
Recommendations for future research
References
Appendices
Appendix A: Cover Letter to Parents
Appendix B: Consent Form
Appendix C: Interview Questions and Prompts
Appendix D: Healing Children's Trauma after Hurricane Katrina
Appendix E: Dissertation Critique
Appendix F: Lesson Plan
Appendix G: Enhancing Pre-K in Mississippi
Appendix H: Dissertation Evaluation