PROBLEM: Children born prematurely have been shown to have a range of problems that often result in delayed academic achievement. METHODS: The current study assessed both attention problem scores (Child Behavior Checklist) and actual performance on tasks tapping three attention networks in a sample of children (n = 94) born with very low birth weights (VLBW; < or = 1500 grams). FINDINGS: Attention problem scores were extremely low and did not predict children's actual attention performance. CONCLUSIONS: A body of research is developing that suggests VLBW children may have specific, yet subtle, attention problems that may differ from those of other children.