scholarly journals Children's perspectives on outdoor play programs in childcare centre playgrounds: are early childhood educators listening?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunjoo (Christina) Lee
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Children’S Perspectives ◽  
Childcare Centre ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Mosaic Approach ◽  
Outdoor Programs ◽  
Children's Interests

Outdoor programs are part of children’s everyday experiences in childcare centres. However, there is a lack of research that explores children’s viewpoints on their outdoor programs in childcare centres. This qualitative study examined children’s perspectives using the Mosaic approach. In addition, the early childhood educators (ECEs) were interviewed to investigate how they learn about and support children’s interests. Findings indicate that using the Mosaic approach can contribute to a more holistic understanding of children’s perspectives of their outdoor play programs. Findings also indicate that ECEs use observation and communication to learn about children’s interests. The ECEs also stated that they support children’s interests during their outdoor programs through verbal support and modelling, changing and expanding activities, and preparing various activities and materials for the children. Discussion on the findings explores multiple methods for tapping children’s perspectives, implications for teacher practices, and direction for future research.

scholarly journals Children's perspectives on outdoor play programs in childcare centre playgrounds: are early childhood educators listening?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunjoo (Christina) Lee
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Children’S Perspectives ◽  
Childcare Centre ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Mosaic Approach ◽  
Outdoor Programs ◽  
Children's Interests

Outdoor programs are part of children’s everyday experiences in childcare centres. However, there is a lack of research that explores children’s viewpoints on their outdoor programs in childcare centres. This qualitative study examined children’s perspectives using the Mosaic approach. In addition, the early childhood educators (ECEs) were interviewed to investigate how they learn about and support children’s interests. Findings indicate that using the Mosaic approach can contribute to a more holistic understanding of children’s perspectives of their outdoor play programs. Findings also indicate that ECEs use observation and communication to learn about children’s interests. The ECEs also stated that they support children’s interests during their outdoor programs through verbal support and modelling, changing and expanding activities, and preparing various activities and materials for the children. Discussion on the findings explores multiple methods for tapping children’s perspectives, implications for teacher practices, and direction for future research.

scholarly journals Training may enhance early childhood educators’ self-efficacy to lead physical activity in childcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brianne A. Bruijns ◽  
Andrew M. Johnson ◽  
Jennifer D. Irwin ◽  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
Molly Driediger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intervention Component ◽  
Space Extension ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Early childhood educators (ECEs) play a critical role in promoting physical activity (PA) among preschoolers in childcare; thus, PA-related training for ECEs is essential. The Supporting PA in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) intervention incorporated: 1. shorter, more frequent outdoor play sessions; 2. provision of portable play equipment; and, PA training for ECEs. An extension of the SPACE intervention (the SPACE-Extension) incorporated only the shorter, more frequent outdoor play periods component of the original SPACE intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore the individual impact of these interventions on ECEs’ PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Methods ECEs from the SPACE (n = 83) and SPACE-Extension (n = 31) were administered surveys at all intervention time-points to assess: self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA (n = 6 items; scale 0 to 100); self-efficacy to implement the intervention (n = 6 items); and, knowledge of preschooler-specific PA and screen-viewing guidelines (n = 2 items). A linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the impact of each intervention on ECEs’ self-efficacy and knowledge and controlled for multiple comparison bias. Results The SPACE intervention significantly impacted ECEs’ self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA for 180 min/day (main effect), and when outdoor playtime was not an option (interaction effect). Further, the interaction model for ECEs’ knowledge of the total PA guideline for preschoolers approached significance when compared to the main effects model. Participants within the SPACE-Extension did not demonstrate any significant changes in self-efficacy or knowledge variables. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight the benefit of ECE training in PA with regard to fostering their PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Future research should explore the impact of PA training for ECEs uniquely in order to determine if this intervention component, alone, can produce meaningful changes in children’s PA behaviours at childcare.

“State standards and IEP goals. A lot of TPT products.” What Early Childhood Educators Report Using to Plan Mathematics Instruction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey Peltier ◽  
Tiffany K Peltier ◽  
Taylor Werthen ◽  
Andy Heuer
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Special Education Teachers ◽  
Mathematics Instruction ◽  
State Standards ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exceptional Children ◽  
What Works ◽  
What Works Clearinghouse

Access to high-quality resources is integral for educators to provide research-aligned mathematics instruction. Identifying the supplemental resources educators use to plan mathematics instruction can inform the ways researchers and organizations disseminate research-based practices. The goal of this study was to identify the frequency in which early childhood educators (i.e., pre-Kindergarten through third grade) reported using various resources to plan for mathematics instruction. Furthermore, we investigated whether differences were observed based on teacher factors (i.e., general or special education, route to certification, years of experience) and locale (i.e., rural, urban, suburban). We retained data from 917 teachers for data analysis. The three most frequently reported resources by educators were colleagues, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Google/Yahoo. The three least frequently reported resources were the typical outlets researchers use to reach teachers: What Works Clearinghouse, Teaching Exceptional Children, and Teaching Children Mathematics. General and special education teachers differed on their self-reported usage of five resources: colleagues, Google/Yahoo, teaching blogs, Teaching Exceptional Children, and the What Works Clearinghouse. Rural educators self-reported that they were less likely than suburban educators to use colleagues or specialists at the district to plan instruction. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Is a partnership possible? : a comparison of elementary teachers' and early childhood educators' perceptions of disability and inclusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Elementary Teachers ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Relational Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pedagogical Beliefs ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Perceptions Of Disability

Education literature presents diverse perceptions of disability and inclusion by educators and scholars. Past research has shown that educators' beliefs influence their practice. The Full-Day Early Learning Program will commence in Ontario schools in September 2010, which will involve teacher and early childhood educator teaching teams. This qualitative research study presents two elementary teachers' and two early childhood educators' perceptions of disability and inclusion. Using a grounded theory strategy of inquiry, two interviews were conducted with each participant. A poststructural lens was used to analyze and interpret data. Key findings show distinct understandings of disability and inclusion between the two educator groups, which relate to their pedagogical beliefs and views of the purpose of education. This study draws on attribution theory and a social relational model of disability to explore the implications of participants' perceptions for children's education. Recommendations for future research and practice and identified and briefly explored.

scholarly journals Mentoring: A Strategy to Support Novice Early Childhood Educators

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura K. Doan
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Formal Mentoring ◽  
Culture Of Learning ◽  
Childhood Education

The mentoring needs of novice early childhood educators are identified within the British Columbian context, where graduates do not receive formal mentoring. Following a description of the problem, a literature review is provided on the following themes: how mentoring facilitates a culture of learning; characteristics of successful mentors; and the mentoring process. Examples are drawn from mentoring programs in New Zealand and Worcester, England. Leadership implications are discussed with an emphasis on future research on mentoring in early childhood education.

Families of children with disabilities helping inform early childhood education

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Swart ◽  
Reem Muharib ◽  
Kristi Godfrey-Hurrell ◽  
Mark M. D’Amico ◽  
Bob Algozzine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Program Development ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inclusive Settings ◽  
Young Children With Disabilities

Purpose This paper aims to survey and interview parents of young children with disabilities to document their perspectives on what professionals working with their children need to know. Rather than comparing opinions over time or as part of an outcome study, this paper met with participants at a single point in time for a conversation addressing two questions with implications for training, program development and continuing research, namely, to what extent do families believe the Advancing Community College Efforts in Paraprofessional Training (ACCEPT) standards and topics are important to include in educational programs preparing professionals to work with young children with disabilities in inclusive settings (survey)? How satisfied or dissatisfied are families with the practices of early childhood educators working with their children with disabilities in inclusive and other settings (focus group)? What knowledge and skills do families recommend are important for the preparation of early childhood educators working with children with disabilities in inclusive and other settings (focus group)? Design/methodology/approach An exploratory design was used to gather information for use in future research and program development and research efforts. Descriptive statistics were compiled for the survey data and focus group interviews were content-analyzed for themes consistent with the project’s eight standards and topics. Findings Analyzes of survey and focus group interview data indicated that parents/caregivers held consistent views about information and skills needed to prepare teachers and others to work with children with disabilities in inclusive settings. Parents/caregivers were asked to complete a brief survey prioritizing the importance of the eight ACCEPT standards and topics when preparing early childhood educators for working with children with disabilities in inclusive settings. They all (n = 21) rated each standard and topic as “very important” (4) and provided 184 comments during follow-up interviews that represented positive examples, negative examples and recommendations distributed across the eight focusing standards. Originality/value This research identified the need for educators to understand the high value and importance of communication with parents of children with disabilities. This study further suggests the need for teachers to value each child’s individual needs and differences for their relationships with children and families to thrive.

Play Experiences in Early Childhood Education

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Lin Moore ◽  
Elaine Zweig
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Special Needs ◽  
Instructional Strategies ◽  
Social And Emotional Learning ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Active Engagement ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
Social And Emotional

Educators can consistently support the active engagement and learning of children with and without special needs in inclusive environments. Definitions and theories of play are examined and the benefits of play described. Experts agree that play is fundamental to children's healthy physical, social and emotional learning, cognitive and language development, and creativity and problem solving. Examples of instructional strategies to facilitate free and guided play illustrate a variety of roles enacted by educators. The importance for children with special needs to be afforded opportunities for indoor and outdoor play experiences is highlighted. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research, policies, and a call to action for advocacy.

scholarly journals Measuring Early Childhood Educators’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior–Related Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review of Tools

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-467
Author(s):  
Monika Szpunar ◽  
Brianne Bruijns ◽  
Patricia Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Risky Play ◽  
Healthy Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Programming

Early childhood educators’ (ECEs) self-efficacy is often predictive of their ability and likelihood of promoting healthy activity behaviors in childcare settings. To date, ECEs’ physical activity and sedentary behavior–related self-efficacy has been measured in a variety of ways in childcare-based research, creating difficulty when comparing across studies. To identify the different approaches ECEs’ self-efficacy is assessed, the current study aimed to compare all existing tools that quantitatively measure physical activity and sedentary behavior–related self-efficacy of pre- and in-service ECEs. Seven online databases were searched for original, peer-reviewed, English-written journal articles. Articles were deemed eligible if they employed a tool which measured physical activity and/or sedentary behavior–related self-efficacy of pre- or in-service ECEs. A total of 16 studies were included in this review, and 13 unique tools were identified. All tools measured task self-efficacy ( n = 13), while only 1 tool measured barrier self-efficacy, and approximately half of the tools ( n = 7; 54%) reported on the validity and reliability. Great variability existed among the self-efficacy items included in the tools; however, common constructs included: teaching/leading physical activity, fundamental movement skill development, and physical activity programming. Very few tools mentioned sedentary behavior ( n = 2) and outdoor/risky play ( n = 2). Given the low number of studies that tested validity and reliability of their self-efficacy tools, the lack of consideration for barrier self-efficacy, and the paucity of tools that fully encompassed physical activity, sedentary behavior, and outdoor play considerations for ECEs, future research is needed to validate a new, reliable tool.

scholarly journals Is a partnership possible? : a comparison of elementary teachers' and early childhood educators' perceptions of disability and inclusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Elementary Teachers ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Relational Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pedagogical Beliefs ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Perceptions Of Disability

Education literature presents diverse perceptions of disability and inclusion by educators and scholars. Past research has shown that educators' beliefs influence their practice. The Full-Day Early Learning Program will commence in Ontario schools in September 2010, which will involve teacher and early childhood educator teaching teams. This qualitative research study presents two elementary teachers' and two early childhood educators' perceptions of disability and inclusion. Using a grounded theory strategy of inquiry, two interviews were conducted with each participant. A poststructural lens was used to analyze and interpret data. Key findings show distinct understandings of disability and inclusion between the two educator groups, which relate to their pedagogical beliefs and views of the purpose of education. This study draws on attribution theory and a social relational model of disability to explore the implications of participants' perceptions for children's education. Recommendations for future research and practice and identified and briefly explored.

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