In an ongoing search for new models to streamline college training and mentoring, a different training model was developed called the "Big Sister Model". This model was experienced for five years in the kindergarten training program at the Kay College of education in Israel. Within this model, two female students are trained in each…

The aim of this qualitative multiple case study was to understand three Saudi kindergarten teachers 'attitudes toward enacting inquiry to teach science in the kindergarten classroom. This study was guided by two research questions: 1) What attitudes do Saudi kindergarten teachers hold about using inquiry to teach science in their classrooms? 2)…

This study investigated the extent to which preschool teachers have been prepared to recognize students with potential learning needs. The ability of these teachers to recognize students with learning needs and provide appropriate support or referrals is critical for the success of the students. Through this research, several insights have emerged…

Pre-school teachers' competence to see and decide to use learning opportunities in informal play-based situations (i.e. situation-specific skills) is key for high-quality pre-school instruction. Current insights into pre-school teachers' situation-specific skills and their association with underlying teacher disposition and instructional materials…

Early childhood teachers play a critical role in the kindergarten readiness of preschool age children. Yet, they often receive little and insufficient training in the use of evidence-based practices that can increase academic success and prevent undesired behaviors. As a result, preschool teachers tend to use more exclusionary practices when…

The transition to five-year-old kindergarten is a pivotal time in children's development, setting the tone for the children's and their families' subsequent formal education experiences. Establishing connections between home and school is a key to creating a supportive learning environment for every child. This dissertation examines how home…

Music substantially impacts early childhood development, especially language development, yet early childhood policies rarely emphasise the role of music in early learning and engagement. Research shows that effective delivery of early childhood music programmes depends on teachers' music knowledge, skills, and music teaching self-efficacy, which…

Although Chinese early childhood education policies have high expectations for kindergarten teachers' play pedagogy, teaching and play are still discussed as a bifurcation in Chinese kindergartens' daily practice. To support Chinese kindergarten teachers' development of play pedagogy, this study conducted an educational experiment (EE) framed by…

Behavioral interventions delivered in preschools can help young children who need support for their behavior. However, preschool teachers face barriers to implementing behavioral interventions, leading to a research-to-practice gap. To better understand how to support preschool teachers, we conducted a scoping review of determinants (i.e.,…

Early childhood special education teachers require training and support in implementing function-based intervention for challenging behavior. Yet, teacher professional development practices are not universally effective, and teachers may benefit from differentiated supports. The purpose of this study was to pilot and evaluate a multilevel approach…

In this article, the authors share the story of Diego, a kindergarten student, navigating issues of mathematical identity and competence--his own and those of his kindergarten classmates. The authors are a team of educators, including a kindergarten teacher (Sara) and a math teacher educator (Jody) who worked together on a quality improvement…

The use of reinforcement is widely researched and has been demonstrated as an effective method to increase desired, appropriate behavior and to decrease problematic behavior at both the individual and group level. This study aimed to identify what types of reinforcement Jordanian preschool teachers employ in the classroom and if they perceive…

Across the world COVID-19 has impacted teachers' lives both professionally and personally. In many parts of the world kindergarten teachers have been able to adapt practices to ensure that children's education and care is provided. However some countries have not responded adequately to support kindergarten teachers' ongoing employment. Bangladesh…

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact around the world and has drastically changed the field of education. In addition to instructional materials, new technologies enabled access to new learning environments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some significant disparities between conventional information and communication…

The mentoring and evaluating process enhances quality of teachers' serving in early childhood programs. The Early Educator Support (EES) Program is a new model of mentoring and coaching that aims to lend support to PreK teachers' working in nonpublic school settings. In this qualitative study, we examined the lived experiences of 12 mentors and…