Children's exposure to screens has been increasing in recent years and so has the concern about its impact on children's development. This study aims to analyze preschool teachers' and parents' views on the influence of screen-time exposure on children's development. Semi-structured interviews with preschool teachers (n = 9), as well as data from…

Research literature acknowledges the influential role of teachers' beliefs on their interpretations, decision-making and pedagogical practices. It also suggests that initial teacher education (ITE) plays a relevant role in explicitly addressing beliefs that students hold. This study aims to examine beliefs about the child of prospective early…

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an important component of early school readiness and healthy child development. Research has shown that children's development of social and emotional skills at preschool age is critical for long-term school and life success. Teachers play a key role in this process. There is evidence to indicate that…

In Portugal, professional preparation for working with infants and toddlers is often characterized as insufficient and/or inadequate in light of the specific professionalism required for working with very young children. This study is situated in initial professional education (IPE) and, in particular, on practicum experiences within an early…

Changes in the preschool education system are provided for by a new federal law in Portugal, Law 5/97, Law for Preschool Education. This law calls for a new role for the State that involves fewer direct services, less bureaucracy, more efficient supervision, and a greater regulating and compensating role. The law requires parents to participate in…