The current study examined the relations among teachers' beliefs, behavioral
self-regulation and school readiness of preschoolers. The study sample included
229 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 attending child care centers located in Seoul and
Gyeonggi area of Korea. Using Structural Equation Modeling, the paths from
teachers' beliefs to children's school readiness via the mediation of their
behavioral self-regulation were examined. Children's self-regulation was directly
assessed using Head-to-Toe Tasks. The results showed that teachers' stronger
beliefs in and responsibility for children's self-regulation and interpersonal skills
significantly predicted greater behavioral self-regulation among children, which
in turn, significantly influenced greater social skills and work-related skills. The
contribution of teachers' beliefs and behavioral regulation to social skills and
work-related skills was positive and stronger for boys.