Montréal Chassidic and Orthodox Community, Québec. A Community Research Report

This study was designed to collect information about children's developmental outcomes, and their family and neighbourhood environments and experiences. Out of a sample of 165 Montreal Chassidic and Orthodox Jewish families, 123 parents or guardians of 160 children participated in the study. The families sampled had relatively low incomes and low employment rates compared with other Canadian families, with about one in five children living in low-income families. The parent interview covered family, social and economic circumstances; children's activities with parents; involvement in the community, including child-care arrangements; children's health and behaviour, including positive social behaviour, inattention, anxiety, depression, and physical aggression; and children's developmental skills, including receptive vocabulary, number knowledge, and pre-literacy. The author found that the children of the Montreal Chassidic and Orthodox community are generally faring well in their developmental outcomes. Their scores on receptive vocabulary were substantially below average, but scores on an assessment of number knowledge were close to the national average, and scores on an assessment of pre-literacy skills that were slightly below average. The prevalence of children with behavioural problems was generally favourable, consistent with the Canadian average, while children's overall health were very favourable. Levels of secondary school completion were high, and there were relatively few children living in single-parent families.

Gatineau, QC

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

2010

en

978-1-100-13692-9