ERIC Number: EJ1320413
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0896-3746
EISSN: N/A
Practices and Reflections of Experienced, Expert Early Childhood Coaches
Thompson, Paula J.; Marvin, Christine A.; Knoche, Lisa L.
Infants and Young Children, v34 n4 p337-355 Oct-Dec 2021
The qualities and practices of two experienced, expert early childhood (EC) coaches, working with Early Head Start teachers, were explored through analyses of 24 audio-recorded EC coach-teacher conversations and coach interview data. Audio-recordings from 2 years of coaching sessions were reviewed, identifying the coaches' use of specific conversation behaviors, modified from Early Childhood Coaching Conversations (ECCC; Knoche & Bainter, 2012). Coaches used all 12 ECCC behaviors. Conversational behaviors associated with establishing relationships and sharing observations were used at similar rates in beginning (first year) and established (second year) coaching relationships. Coaches in established relationships however used higher rates of behaviors associated with acknowledging and affirming teachers' feelings and behaviors, and planning next steps. EC coaches' reflections on behaviors they used in coaching sessions with the teachers provided an opportunity to further examine EC coaching principles and practices. Interviews revealed coaches' perceived benefits of coaching, as well as a value in advancing relationships, and using key conversation behaviors, documentation, and a structured coaching approach. A focus on evidenced-based strategies teachers have been previously trained to use in their work with at-risk infants, toddlers, and their families was important in the coaches' work with teachers.
Descriptors: Coaching (Performance), Preschool Teachers, Federal Programs, Low Income Groups, Preschool Education, Audio Equipment, Interpersonal Communication, Discourse Analysis, Correlation, Faculty Development, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Behavior, Evidence Based Practice, At Risk Persons, Infants, Toddlers
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Available from: Wolters Kluwer. 351 West Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Tel: 800-638-3030; e-mail: MR-WKCustomerSupport@wolterskluwer.com; Web site: https://journals.lww.com/pages/default.aspx
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Administration for Children and Families (DHHS), Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 90YR0093