ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to study behavioral problems of 3-5 years oldchildren and the successful solutions that caregivers used in childcare centers underLocal Administrative Organization. The samples were 4,147 caregivers. The researchinstrument used in this study was a questionnaire concerning children behavioralproblems and solutions of caregivers. Content analysis and percentage were used toanalyze the data.The research findings were as follows:1. Children behavioral problems found in classroom could be categorized into 6groups. The highest frequency of the behavioral problems found in each groupwere: (1) being aggressive 24.31 %; (2) making a loud noise 56.46%; (3) throwingobj ects 27.72%; (4) being addicted to baby bottle 20.22%; (5) refusing to take anap 35.57%; and (6) refusing to have lunch 31.83%.2. Solutions that caregivers used successfully could also be categorized into 6 groups.The highest frequency solutions in each group were: (1) setting rules, asking forcooperation and praising them for appropriate perfonnance 27 .27%; (2) speakingwith them softly 53.74%; (3) no suggestions in dealing with this group of behavioralproblems; (4) asking children to leave their bottles with the caregivers16.94%; (5) encouraging all of them to sleep during nap time 31.40%; and (6)explaining them the results of not eating and complementing those who eat23.51 %. Solutions that caregivers mostly used in each sub-group as mentioned were: settingrules, encouraging and praising them when they perform; telling a story concerningthe incident; separating the children from the circumstances; reminding and explainingthem what was inappropriate; and setting helpful activities for them to joinwith.

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