Efficacy of Tools of the Mind for Enhancing Self-Control in Preschoolers

Self-control has become a strong predictor of academic success and life outcomes. Early childhood development research indicates that greater self-control can lead to better health, greater wealth, and less propensity to engage in criminal activity. This study seeks to assess the strength of the play-based "Tools of the Mind" (TOM) program in improving preschoolers self-control. It will compare TOM to an alternative play-based program, called "Playing to Learn" (PTL), implemented in most YMCA Canada childcare settings across the country. This study hypothesizes that measures of self-control and other measures of social behavior and academic success in preschoolers after two years in the TOM program will be greater than measures of self-control and other measures of social behavior and academic success in preschoolers in the PTL program after two-years.