Social Interaction in an Integrated Preschool

Abstract
Four research studies are presented which (1) assess spontaneous, integrated social interaction; (2) compare observed levels to a normative sample; (3) attempt to build social interactions that are durable; and (4) investigate the use of classroom aides to arrange opportunities for integrated social interaction. The data indicate that durable social interactions can be facilitated for some children, but that more research is necessary. The data also indicate that when properly supported, teacher aides can effectively increase opportunity for social interaction without disrupting natural social processes.