Maltreated children are at heightened risk for impaired intellectual functioning. In this study, 36 preschool children and their mothers from three family backgrounds were assessed in a preschool/home study. Questionnaire data were gathered from parents and teachers on the children's cognitive and physical competence and peer acceptance. Results of the study corroborate earlier work documenting poorer cognitive functioning among children from families in which maltreatment has been documented. By the age of 3 to 5 years, these children had poorer receptive language than their lower- and middle-income peers and were judged both by parents and teachers to be less competent in age-appropriate cognitive and/or physical activities. At the same time, these children significantly overrated their physical competence, and self-ratings of competence and acceptance tended to be higher than those of their low-income peers. Whereas the general home environment may affect competence, relationship factors implicated in maltreatment may be more important in shaping self-concept and motivation. 6 tables and 40 references (Author abstract modified)