Quality Early Childhood Education Research Articles

Beyond omission: analysing the erasure of disability and inclusion in the developmentally appropriate practices

ABSTRACT The 4th edition of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) had an opportunity to provide the field an inclusive blueprint. While there was an attempt in this edition to respond to decades of critiques (e.g. Bloch [1992]. “Critical Perspectives on the Historical Relationship Between Child Development and Early Childhood Education Research.” In Reconceptualizing the Early Childhood Curriculum: Beginning the Dialogue, edited by S. Kessler, and E. B. Swadener, 3–20. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.; Cannella [1997]. Deconstructing Early Childhood Education: Social Justice and Revolution. New York, NY: Peter Lang.; Escayg [2019]. “Who’s got the Power?”: A Critical Examination of the Anti-Bias Curriculum.” International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy 13 (1): 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-019-0062-9.; Langford [2010]. “Critiquing Child-Centered Pedagogy to Bring Children and Early Childhood Educators Into the Center of a Democratic Pedagogy.” Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood 11 (1): 113–127. https://doi.org/10.2304/ciec.2010.11.1.113.; Pérez and Saavedra [2017]. “A Call for Onto-Epistemological Diversity in Early Childhood Education and Care: Centering Global South Conceptualizations of Childhood/s.” Review of Research in Education 41 (1): 1–29. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732X16688621.; Souto-Manning and Rabadi-Raol [2018]. “(Re)Centering Quality in Early Childhood Education: Toward Intersectional Justice for Minoritized Children.” Review of Research in Education 42 (1): 203–225. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732X187595.), the new edition continues to centre dominant developmental approaches where adults hyperfocus on children’s differences or individual characteristics rather than on changing educational structures and practices that promote inequity (Ferri and Bacon [2011]. “Beyond Inclusion: Disability Studies in Early Childhood Teacher Education.”). The revised guidelines do not go far enough to address inequity and to give teachers and programmes tools for addressing injustice for all young children. This manuscript builds on previous critiques of DAP by explicitly addressing the exclusion of disabled children from the guidelines.

Puppetry-Based Literacy as a Means of Early Childhood Character Education

This service aims to introduce wayang culture and develop children's character education with the content of core competencies in spiritual attitudes, core competencies in social attitudes, core competencies in knowledge, and core competencies in skills by utilizing educational learning media. The subjects in this research were PAUD Mutiara Bunda and PAUD Kenanga, Pisang Candi, Sukun, Malang City. The results of this service show that the learning method through wayang literacy and local wisdom for early childhood has succeeded in becoming a means for teachers to introduce character-based local culture to early childhood

Revitalizing Local Wisdom within Character Education through Ethnopedagogy Apporach: A Case Study on a Preschool in Yogyakarta

Ethnopedagogy serves as an educational approach capable of reshaping societal dynamics by preserving cultural values, thereby reinforcing a multicultural national identity. This study explored the potential of ethnopedagogy in revitalizing local wisdom within early childhood character education in Indonesia. This case study was performed at Pertiwi Kindergarten in Puro Pakualaman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were gained through interviews and document analysis with teachers, parents, and school principals. Research data were checked for validity using data triangulation. The research findings demonstrated that ethnopedagogy enhanced children's awareness of local culture and nurtures character development by integrating local wisdom values into the learning process. Furthermore, involving local communities in character education improved community engagement in the educational journey, bolstering a sense of ownership over the school or learning environment, and strengthening social networks within the community. Ethnopedagogy is recommended to apply in early childhood education to develop children's character through the utilization of local wisdom.

The Current Situation Of The Self-Assessment Of The Early Childhood Education Quality In Locality Based On Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 In Vietnam

The Current Situation Of The Self-Assessment Of The Early Childhood Education Quality In Locality Based On Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 In Vietnam

The Role of Language Teaching in Promoting Educational Quality in Early Childhood Education

Background and purpose: China is among the countries putting great emphasis on strengthening early education programs to ensure a solid learning foundation for children. The present study is based on a qualitative research design to examine the role of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching in promoting educational quality in the context of early childhood education in China. It focuses on investigating the effectiveness of EFL teaching in enhancing the educational quality of early childhood education in the education system of China. Method: The semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess the parents’ perception regarding the impact of EFL programs on the quality of education being offered in early childhood centres in China. The sample for the survey was selected from the parents of children enrolled in early childhood education centres in China offering EFL teaching as a part of their curricula. The data collection focused on the student’s cognitive development and overall quality of education. Findings: Most of the participants emphasized the significant impact of early EFL education on their children’s cognitive skills. They regarded EFL education as a robust tool to lay a strong foundation for future academic achievements and cross-cultural understanding of their children. Conclusion and Implications: Thus, parents in China regard early EFL education as crucial for the cognitive development and educational foundation of their children. The present study offers significant pedagogical implications regarding the inclusion of EFL instructions in enhancing the early language acquisition experience of children.

Ideal early childhood teacher?

In policy, teachers are persistently positioned as central to improving the quality of early childhood education and care (ECEC). They are frequently the targets for policy reform that proactively seeks to shape teaching priorities and practices. The constructions of teachers in policy shape notions of ideal professional identities, opening up spaces for certain identities and closing spaces for others. This critical discourse analysis of seven key ECEC policy texts assembles a range of discourses to identify and critically examine two prevalent and distinct 'ideal' professional identities for early childhood teachers: The Professional and The Kaiako.

Embedding Effective Communication in Early Childhood Learning in Schools: Experience from Early Childhood Teachers

ABSTRACT This study aims to strengthen the empirical evidence by analyzing the communication process between early childhood education (ECE) teachers and children during the learning process. It also aims to explore how the process occurs and how children respond. This qualitative descriptive exploratory research utilizes the content analysis method. Purposive sampling was used to select five teachers, including the head teacher, and forty-seven children who participated in this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations to explore communication practices in the teaching and learning process, from the teachers perspective. The results emphasizes the importance of bidirectional communication, tailored to individual children for optimal engagement. It also highlights the role of language use and non-verbal cues in effective pedagogy, while acknowledging the challenges of material relevance and language barriers. The study underscores the significance of multimodal pedagogy, and adaptive communication strategies to address disparities in children’s engagement levels and language challenges. It advocates for the continuous refinement of pedagogical techniques to enhance effective communication between teachers and children, a crucial element for the overall improvement of early childhood education quality. Overall, the research provides valuable insights for both academic discourse and practical applications in early childhood education.

From Pre-Service Preparation to Professional Development: Early Childhood Teachers’ Learning Experiences, ECE Quality, and Child Development in China

ABSTRACT Research Findings: This study examined the associations between early childhood education (ECE) teachers’ pre-service education (PE), professional development (PD) experiences, ECE quality, and child development. The participants included 52 teachers and 706 children from 52 preschool classes in Shanghai and Guizhou. Teacher educational level was associated with classroom interaction quality. The frequency and diversity of PD activities that ECE teachers experienced in the past year were also related to overall ECE quality. Mediational analyses indicated that the diversity and frequency of PD were indirectly associated with child development through ECE quality. Region of residence moderated the associations between PE and child development and between ECE quality and child development. Practice or Policy: Together, the findings highlight the need for policy to support ECE teachers’ professional learning from pre-service education to ongoing professional development.

Implementation of Augmented Reality to Enhance Alphabet Letter Understanding at Paud Bintang Jonggol

Implementing Augmented Reality (AR) in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) promises children an interactive and immersive learning experience. In this study, we evaluate the potential of AR in improving the quality of early childhood education. AR can help PAUD educators create a more engaging learning environment where children can learn through games that support the development of motor skills and conceptual understanding. However, challenges such as access to technology, adequate teacher training, and appropriate curriculum planning need to be addressed. Policy support, comprehensive teacher training, and selecting the proper AR application are critical factors in implementing AR in PAUD. This technology has great potential to change how children learn and better prepare them for the future.

Cultivating young minds: Exploring the relationship between child socio-emotional competence, early childhood education and care quality, creativity and self-directed learning

Creativity and self-directed learning (SDL) have been identified as two key skills that children need to develop for success in the 21st century. As such, developing such skills has become a priority. High quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) can play a pivotal role in supporting a myriad of children's developmental outcomes. This study uses multi-level modeling on 484 children between 30 and 75 months of age (Mean age = 48) across 87 ECEC classrooms in Toronto. We tested associations between two skills (creativity and SDL), children's social and emotional competence (hyperactivity, prosocial behaviour, and emotional problems) and ECEC quality (professional development, ratios and emotional support). We found significant relationships between children's social and emotional outcomes and their creativity skills, but not their SDL. In addition, the proportion of professional development opportunities conducted onsite was positively associated with children's creativity. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed. Educational relevance statementThis study contributes to the understanding of how to support two skills needed in the wake of the fourth industrial revolution. First, we examine the relationship between children's social and emotional development and their creativity and self-directed learning. We then examine the role played by the quality of their early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings as contexts to learn these important skills when accounting for their children's social and emotional development. Finally, we test the robustness of these associations by controlling for important contextual factors (age, months in the program, family income, and maternal education).

Does childhood maltreatment influence Chinese preschool education college students' depression and anxiety? Evidence from a latent class analysis.

Preschool teachers' mental health may be a critical factor in their job performance, which in turn can influence the quality of early childhood education. However, little is known about its development. Childhood maltreatment, as a chronic form of childhood stress, may influence later mental health development. Although large, comprehensive research has been undertaken on childhood maltreatment and mental health, the associations between these two variables need further exploration. This study aims to describe childhood maltreatment based on person-centered approaches in Chinese preschool education college students, and to examine the differences in depression and anxiety within subgroups of childhood maltreatment. A total of 1,218 Chinese preschool education college students participated in this study, and the data analysis was based on unconditional and conditional latent class analysis. The results showed that the participants were divided into 5 profiles: a non-maltreatment profile; a profile of emotional abuse and emotional and physical neglect; a profile of physical neglect; a profile of emotional neglect; and a profile of physical and emotional neglect. Students with multiple subtypes of maltreatment had the highest levels of depression and anxiety. Universities should consider both childhood maltreatment and profiles of childhood maltreatment when training preschool education college students.

Improving Early Childhood Character Education through Role Playing Methods Ages 3-4 Years at Play Group Aisyiyah Sang Surya Babadan Ponorogo

Improving Early Childhood Character Education through Role Playing Methods Ages 3-4 Years at Play Group Aisyiyah Sang Surya Babadan Ponorogo

Comprehensive analysis of early childhood education quality and cognitive development: A study of rural preschool children in Meghalaya

Comprehensive analysis of early childhood education quality and cognitive development: A study of rural preschool children in Meghalaya

Unblocking the System to Strengthen Implementation of Early Childhood Development Policies and Practice in South Africa

Government sectors responsible for early childhood development (ECD) often have competing priorities and obligations which manifest through fragmentation, silo conflicts, and power dynamics, thus failing to implement ECD policies in South Africa effectively. This article aims to provide a framework for strengthening the implementation of ECD policies to enhance quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Using a qualitative approach within an interpretive paradigm, data was obtained through open-ended semi-structured interviews, observations, and field notes. Key stakeholders, including ECD managers, practitioners, and education officials, were purposely sampled. The conceptual lens was used for exploring the current implementation of ECD policies at the systems level in the theoretical framework. The findings revealed communication and information blockages at the level of national, provincial, and district offices. As a result, ECD centers were left uninformed of the new policies and frameworks for implementation. A framework that stipulates standardized training for the Department of Education officials, support for ECD principals, managers, and practitioners, and open communication through bi-annual conferences and monthly community of practice (CoP) virtual meetings will ensure that policies are implemented and that quality ECD education is achievable in South Africa.

STRATEGI DAN TANTANGAN MANAJEMEN TEKNOMEDIA DI LEMBAGA PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI

Digital learning media management is a crucial skill required by the heads of educational institutions to navigate the digital era. This research aims to depict: (1) the challenges faced by the leaders of Early Childhood Education (PAUD) institutions in Merauke City in managing technomedia in the learning process, and (2) the strategies employed by these leaders to overcome challenges in technomedia management during the learning process. The informants for this study were purposefully sampled from school principals in Merauke City. The primary challenges confronted by school principals in managing digital learning media in Early Childhood Education institutions (PAUD) include the availability of adequate technological resources, the development of teachers' skills in using technology, and the management of student data security and privacy. School principals also need to take into account parental involvement in supporting the use of digital media at home and ensure that technology use remains balanced with the physical and social activities of children. To tackle these challenges, strategies employed by school principals include organizing training and developing teachers' skills in technology use, selecting quality digital learning content, and establishing clear policies and guidelines related to technology use. Additionally, careful monitoring of students' technology use and maintaining a balance between technology use and traditional learning experiences are also emphasized. By implementing these strategies, PAUD school principals can effectively manage digital learning media, enhance the quality of early childhood education, and ensure that technology is used judiciously in the learning process.

유아교사의 셀프리더십과 교수몰입이 직무만족에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of early childhood teachers’ self-leadership and teaching flow on their job satisfaction, as well as to discover the mediating effects of social support on job satisfaction. The subjects were 357 early childhood teachers who had been asked four questionnaires. The findings of this study were as follows. First, this study revealed positive correlations among the variables of early childhood teacher’s self-leadership, teaching flow, job satisfaction, and social support. Second, this study showed that there were the effects of self-leadership and teaching flow of early childhood teachers on their job satisfaction. Third, there was a mediating effect of social support on job satisfaction of early childhood teachers based on the relationship of the early childhood teachers’ self-leadership and their teaching flow.
 The results of this study signify that self-leadership and teaching flow are important factors to enhance the quality of early childhood education and early childhood teacher’s expertise as well as early childhood teachers’ social support for young children’s development and teacher’s job satisfaction in their experiences.

Peranan Perangkat Desa dalam Penyelenggaraan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini di Desa Emplak Kalipucang

This research aims to find out the role of the village in implementing early childhood education at RA Al-Huda Emplak Kalipucang. The method in this research uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. This research is based on a natural setting as a direct data source and researchers are the key instrument for knowing changes before and after the establishment of early childhood education institutions in Emplak Village, Kalipucang District. The results of the research show that the role of village officials in organizing early childhood education at RA Al-Huda Emplak Kalipucang is quite important. This is proven by the facilities provided by village officials to support learning, assist school planning to achieve the goal of providing quality early childhood education, and educators are supported to continue their education in accordance with their scientific fields. Therefore, the role of village officials is very important to support the implementation of educational institutions in Emplak Kalipucang Village.

The Role of Teachers in Early Childhood Character Education at Syalom Bunuraya Kindergarten

The Role of Teachers in Early Childhood Character Education at Syalom Bunuraya Kindergarten is divided into 3 roles, namely the role of teachers as educators, guides and models. This study aims to describe the role of teachers as educators, guides and models in early childhood character education at Syalom Bunuraya Kindergarten. The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive. This research will be conducted from September 11 to November 11, 2023. The source of this research is Syalom Bunuraya Kindergarten class teachers as many as 2 teachers, the subject of this research is based on teachers who have different educational backgrounds including graduates of S1 SE (Bachelor of Economics) S1 S.Pd (Bachelor of Education). Data collection techniques include non-participant observation and guided interviews. Data Analysis Data uses Milles and Humberman data analysis with data collection stages through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Data validity testing is performed by triangulation. The results showed that: 1. the role of teachers as educators in Syalom Bunuraya Kindergarten as protectors, companions, servants,. 2. The role of the teacher as a guide as a director, controller, monitor, bodyguard, and reminder.3. The role of the teacher as a model aligns speech with deeds and displays a neat appearance and manners inside and outside school. The obstacles faced by teachers as educators are teachers who consider all children's characteristics equally both interests, talents and skills, and cognitive are the main factors, namely calistung to support their education in elementary school as a teacher guide who do not graduate from S1 PAUD so that their knowledge is less extensive about the child's world. As a model, teachers are inconsistent with the role they play by looking immodest by wearing dresses to school.

An Analysis of Early Childhood Mental And Character Education in Rural Areas in Indonesia

This study was based on the imbalance between early childhood education (ECE) in most areas in the West Part of Indonesia and the East Part of Indonesia. ECE in most places in the East Part of Indonesia shows low quality of ECE compared to the West Part of Indonesia. We aim to investigate the condition of rural and underdeveloped areas with the lowest GDP in two regions in the East part of Indonesia, Sula and Taliabu in North Moluccas Province. Secondary Data Analysis (SDA) draws from several government reports and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on Early Childhood Education in Sula and Taliabu, which include the data on Teacher’s Academic qualifications, School Facilitation, and teacher-student ratio. We compared this data with published government regulations and recent studies regarding the Teachers' Academic Qualification, School Facilitation, and teacher-student ratio standard with the field data in Sula and Taliabu Islands. Findings and recommendations are presented. Results show that most teachers in Sula and Taliabu in North Moluccas Province are High School Graduates. Most schools only have one classroom, no library, a high teacher-student ratio, and poor internet access. These conditions are not only far from the standard of quality of ECE in Indonesia set by government rules and regulations but also not conducive to teaching and learning activities.

Peningkatan kualitas pendidikan anak usia dini: peran pendekatan pedagogis dan kualifikasi guru

This research explores the role of pedagogical approaches and teacher qualifications on the quality of Early Childhood Education. Through an analysis of current educational literature and policy, this study highlights the importance of a child-centred pedagogical approach, which emphasizes creating learning environments that support and stimulate children's holistic development. Next, this study examines the role of teacher qualifications. Research findings show that the integration of effective pedagogical approaches and highly qualified teachers creates an optimal learning environment, which is critical for supporting children's development at an early age. This study provides insight for curriculum developers, educational practitioners, and policy makers on ways to improve the quality of education at the PAUD level, which is a critical stage in child development.