ERIC Number: EJ1363531
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Feb
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: EISSN-1573-1707
Finding Space for Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Programs
Gilken, Jennifer; Longley, Jennifer; Crosby, Jillian
Early Childhood Education Journal, v51 n2 p333-344 Feb 2023
Previous research has highlighted the need to improve teacher education programs with the intent of preparing infant-toddler professionals as working with infants-toddlers and families requires a unique skill set. The following mixed methods research study supported these assertions by examining the early childhood education (ECE) undergraduate teacher preparation course content in a large northeastern state, through document analysis and a survey of faculty. The findings indicated that very few of the research-based, best practices (relationship-based practices, family-centered practices, creating environments, reflective and ethical practices, and fieldwork experience in high-quality classrooms with children under three), identified for working with infants and toddlers were the main-focus of any of the ECE undergraduate teacher preparation courses. This research offers recommendations for ways that undergraduate ECE teacher preparation programs can support the infant-toddler workforce. The recommendations include adding dedicated infant-toddler courses and supervised fieldwork opportunities with children from birth to 36 months into ECE undergraduate coursework.
Descriptors: Infants, Toddlers, Teacher Education Programs, Early Childhood Education, Undergraduate Study, Program Content, Preschool Teachers, Teacher Competencies
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A