Investigation of the relationship between early leadership characteristics and social skills of preschool children

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between early leadership characteristics and social skill levels of 5-year-old children. Correlational screening model is used in the study. 250 children aged 5 years constitute the study group of the research. 'Demographic Information Form, Early Childhood Leadership Scale (ECDLÖ), Preschool Social Skills Assessment Scale (OSBED) Teacher Form' were used in the study. In this study, according to teacher perceptions, children's leadership levels were found to be high, and a small number of children's social skills were found to be normal and adequate compared to their peers. A significant relationship was found between children's initiation, academic support, friendship skills and leadership characteristics at a high level and positively; and a significant relationship was found between children's ability to manage their emotions and leadership characteristics at a moderate level and positively. According to the results of the regression analysis, there was a positive and moderately significant relationship between children's social skills and children's leadership traits, and initial and friendship skills were found to be significant predictors of children's leadership traits. It was determined that 61% of the total variance was explained by social skills.