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Background: The technological age of the twenty-first century has witnessed an upsurge in the demand for STEM education. Early childhood STEM learning and teaching has sparked attention among researchers. Purpose: This study aims to provide a holistic review of current STEM research in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Sample: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 129 articles on early STEM education published in educational journals via Web of Science. Design and methods: This study used VOSviewer to analyze and conduct a bibliometric analysis. Statistical analyses on publications included annual trends, grants, journals, publishers, research topic, publishing source, institutions, keywords, categories and classification, and researchers. Results: The review found that (1) The majority of early childhood STEM research was conducted in developed countries such as the United States, Turkey, and Australia. (2) Key STEM literature in ECE studies tended to fall into major clusters such as STEM education, Robotics, and Mindstorms. (3) STEM in ECE studies were frequently associated with psychology in ECE. Conclusion: The findings suggest a need for more multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary studies on STEM research in ECE and advocate for the inclusion of the STEM research in ECE from broader geographical contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the challenges faced by pre-primary teachers (specialists and non-specialists in additional languages) in multilingual settings, with a specific focus on attention to diversity. Nowadays, schools are becoming more diverse both linguistically (Robinson-Jones, Duarte & Günther-van der Meij, 2022) and through the inclusion of special educational needs (SEN) students (Ramberg & Watkins, 2020). This study aims to identify the teachers’ needs in these contexts and to bring to light emergent topics on multilingualism and diversity. Ten focus groups were conducted for this purpose, and participants (pre-primary teachers) were asked to reflect on their competencies to address groups of young learners in multilingual settings. The participants originate from five different locations in Spain, characterized by different linguistic and social realities. The discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the software MAXQDA was used to facilitate the content analysis of the obtained data. Information was gathered from two perspectives: specialists and non-specialist teachers of additional languages. The findings reveal the complexity of adopting and incorporating the tailored approaches required by the increasingly linguistically diverse students and by those with special educational needs. Several key findings emerged, including the difficulties of the teachers when adapting to changing educational contexts, the lack of guidelines to facilitate teaching in multilingual contexts, and the teachers’ concern about diverse students. The results of this research underscore the importance of providing pre-primary teachers in multilingual contexts with multifaceted support (specific legal framework, training sessions, and classroom assistants, among others) to facilitate the inclusiveness of diverse young learners. The research, embedded in a national research project on pre-primary teachers’ competencies in multilingual contexts, contributes insights into teaching strategies in diverse multilingual settings.

In recent years, the use of augmented reality (AR) in early childhood education (ECE) has grown significantly. However, there remains a limited understanding of publication trends, research methodologies, and the overall impact of this technology. This study evaluates the evolution of AR in ECE from 2013 to 2023 through a comprehensive review of 49 articles published in journals indexed by Scopus. We employed VOS viewer for bibliometric analysis, alongside Google Scholar for database searches and Microsoft Excel for statistical evaluation. Three researchers conducted content analysis of the selected papers based on established criteria. Our findings reveal a consistent increase in AR-related publications in ECE over the past decade. In studies utilizing quantitative methods, participant numbers typically ranged from 30 to 100. Researchers developed AR applications using marker-based techniques and assessed their effectiveness through questionnaires. The results indicate that AR offers numerous advantages, including enhanced motivation, a supportive learning environment, improved academic performance, assistance for children with special needs, and promotion of social and emotional development. This study recommends that early childhood educators incorporate AR into their teaching practices as an innovative and engaging tool for future educational endeavors. This revision aims to improve readability while preserving the essential information and findings of your original abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire (SCTQ) is a psycho-educational tool designed to empower teachers in creating sensory-rich, inclusive environments that promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity through the application of sensory ergonomics. Unlike other tools that focus on isolated strategies, the SCTQ takes a holistic approach by optimizing the overall classroom environment to meet the sensory and ergonomic needs of learners, particularly those with ADHD and sensory integration/processing challenges. This makes the SCTQ especially vital in diverse and under-resourced quintile schools, where creating sensory-optimized, inclusive environments is essential for fostering equitable learning experiences. By addressing sensory needs through thoughtful classroom design, the SCTQ not only strengthens learners' cognitive development and socio-emotional well-being but also improves behavior regulation, physical comfort, and overall functioning. This manuscript is part of a larger exploratory mixed-methods study that validated the SCTQ using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Here, the focus is on the qualitative aspect, utilizing thematic analysis to explore data from 23 focus group interviews with 88 Grade 1, 2, and 3 teachers from various Quintile 1–5 schools in Gauteng, South Africa. Guided by the enactivism paradigm, the study emphasizes the crucial role teachers play in creating and adapting sensory environments. Their insights were key to refining the SCTQ, ensuring it is practical, developmentally appropriate, culturally, linguistically, contextually, and socio-economically relevant. Developed through collaboration among researchers, specialists, and teachers, the SCTQ supports sensory ergonomic practices, raises awareness of ADHD and sensory integration/processing challenges, and supports both learners' potential and teachers' well-being, contributing to a more sustainable and positive educational experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the state of research on immigrant parents’ experiences in early childhood education (ECE) stages, we conducted a literature review through a qualitative meta-synthesis of 22 studies. Guided by sociocultural theory, which emphasizes the co-construction of meaning and the interplay between individual agency and social context, the synthesis highlights both the barriers immigrant parents face and opportunities for enhancing inclusion and support within Nordic ECE contexts. While the articles acknowledge these challenges, they also found that some parents increasingly appreciate Nordic ECE values and practices over time. Communication emerges as a central theme in the reviewed literature; it deeply impacts the integration process of immigrant parents in Nordic ECE systems. Synthesized findings across the studies highlight communication as a key factor shaping parents’ experiences within the categories of “initial experiences and adaptation,” “parental concerns,” and “cultural and social integration.” The review reveals a predominance of host-country researchers, the majority being female, with minority groups underrepresented, which could potentially lead to biases. Despite methodological limitations that impact the understanding of immigrant parents' experiences, the studies offer valuable insights into the parents’ reported experiences and provide a foundation for improving inclusivity and understanding in Nordic ECE.

Teacher professional development (TPD) is a process that ensures that teachers acquire the skills necessary to address the complex needs of 21st century children. To this end, over the last decade, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has undergone modifications, incorporating active and innovative methodologies in the study plans. Aligned with these principles, this research aims to evaluate the reforms implemented in Spanish universities for the initial training of early childhood education teachers. The opinions of 1048 future teachers from four Spanish universities were collected through a Likert-type questionnaire, measuring students' perceptions of four factors: curricular design/planning, curricular implementation, evaluation strategies, and participation and interaction in the classroom. Perceptions on the first two factors are considered adequate and satisfactory, while problems persist in the third and fourth factors. Considering the results, we reflect on areas for improvement to provide early childhood education professionals with competencies in line with future roles and demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood education (ECE) is not only about the academic upbringing of a child. It concerns a child's strong emotional, social, cognitive, and physical character development. Early childhood education of a child starts from his birth to the moment he is admitted to school. It is the most crucial time of a child's life because it is the first time they interact with other children, teachers, parents, and other family members. Early childhood education has positively affected social aspects of educational interests such as STEM (Science et al.). In this paper, we will discuss the role of early childhood education concerning traditional and academic learning and play-based and child-centred learning. Academic traditional learning is purely academic-centred and teacherdominant, whereas play-based or child-centred learning is designed according to the child's interests. It makes a child socially, emotionally, and academically strong. We will discuss these approaches in-depth, along with their pros and cons. With a critical analysis of which approach is better for children to enhance their learning and growth and how it can be implemented in toddlers and childcare centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the experiences of early childhood educators (ECEs) in Pakistan, examining the disparity in technology use between public and private schools. Employing Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation and Davis' TAM theories, the research explores teacher perceptions of technology, access to technology resources, and its integration into classrooms. A survey was conducted in tehsil Shorkot, District Jhang, with 250 ECEs (125 each from public and private schools). The findings reveal a significant gap in technology integration. Private schools have superior resources, more technology-proficient staff, and a more positive attitude towards educational technology. Public schools face challenges with limited resources, lack of teacher training, and resistance to adopting new methods. The study proposes solutions to bridge the digital divide. Recommendations include increased government investment in technology resources for public schools, curriculum updates to integrate technological skills, and comprehensive training programs for teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Whole-population analysis of access to high-quality ECE using a national standard. • Inequities of access associated with geographic and socio-economic disadvantage. • Recent immigrants over-represented in poor quality services. • Calls for interrogation and identification of effective thresholds of quality. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (4.2) calls for all children to have access to high quality Early Childhood Education (ECE), recognising the potential of ECE to promote children's development and ongoing national prosperity. Yet, in marketized systems both structural features (availability and affordability of services) and social factors (family knowledge and social connection) can drive inequitable access to the highest quality provision. In the current study, we analyse data for N =77,113 children in Australia's new whole-population integrated database to ask: Who accesses high-quality ECE services? Australia's national quality rating of ECE services provided whole-of-country standard measurement of ECE quality. We find that, although Australia provides an income-scaled subsidy to families to enable ECE attendance, inequalities are seen in the quality of service accessed. Families experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and those living in regional and remote locations are under-represented in services rated high-quality. Recent immigrants, regardless of their economic status, are most likely to attend poorer quality services. These findings highlight the need to identify and remediate mechanisms preventing those most likely to benefit from the highest quality ECE from access. Such actions are critical to deliver on the promise of ECE to disrupt intergenerational disadvantage and enable sustainable national development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire (SCTQ) is a psycho-educational tool designed to empower teachers in creating sensory-rich, inclusive environments that promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity through the application of sensory ergonomics. Unlike other tools that focus on isolated strategies, the SCTQ takes a holistic approach by optimizing the overall classroom environment to meet the sensory and ergonomic needs of learners, particularly those with ADHD and sensory integration/processing challenges. This makes the SCTQ especially vital in diverse and under-resourced quintile schools, where creating sensory-optimized, inclusive environments is essential for fostering equitable learning experiences. By addressing sensory needs through thoughtful classroom design, the SCTQ not only strengthens learners’ cognitive development and socio-emotional well-being but also improves behavior regulation, physical comfort, and overall functioning. This manuscript is part of a larger exploratory mixed-methods study that validated the SCTQ using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Here, the focus is on the qualitative aspect, utilizing thematic analysis to explore data from 23 focus group interviews with 88 Grade 1, 2, and 3 teachers from various Quintile 1–5 schools in Gauteng, South Africa. Guided by the enactivism paradigm, the study emphasizes the crucial role teachers play in creating and adapting sensory environments. Their insights were key to refining the SCTQ, ensuring it is practical, developmentally appropriate, culturally, linguistically, contextually, and socio-economically relevant. Developed through collaboration among researchers, specialists, and teachers, the SCTQ supports sensory ergonomic practices, raises awareness of ADHD and sensory integration/processing challenges, and supports both learners’ potential and teachers’ well-being, contributing to a more sustainable and positive educational experience.

This study aims to discover how singing methods are applied in introducing hijaiyah letters in early childhood group A in RA Sunan Bonang Brani wetan. The method used is a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis. The object of this study was as many as 16 people, with the techniques used by researchers in collecting data, namely observation, interview, and documentation techniques. To analyze the data, researchers also use data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. The study was conducted for 1 month. The application of the method of singing with the song Hijaiyah upin ipin is very effective in providing hijaiyah letter recognition to children from an early age in group A RA Sunan Bonang Brani wetan, with the steps used; Preparation and Planning of Learning Implementation of Singing Method, Teachers Understand Well the Material Teach, Selection of Songs to be Taught to Children, Demonstrate Songs Repeatedly, Convey Learning Information, Ask Questions. The impact of using this method is that children have an interest in learning hijaiyah letters and are involved in the learning process such as singing together and answering questions together (active), the learning environment created also becomes fun, and children memorize faster so that it also makes it easier for children to recognize hijaiyah letters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines Indonesian early childhood education (ECE) and STEM integration, focusing on Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini. The study examines the effects, obstacles, and benefits of STEM education in Indonesian preschools using a literature analysis and empirical research. The research uses quantitative analysis and case study design to analyze teacher-student relationships, STEM instruction, and STEM's impact on ECE quality. STEM integration improves children's learning experiences, demonstrating that STEM education might help young children develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Despite the potential benefits, the report notes that STEM education requires teacher training, professional development, and curriculum adaptation to incorporate STEM principles. This research emphasizes play-based learning in the Indonesian ECE system and the role of stakeholders, including educators and the government, in STEM education integration. The research provides useful insights into early childhood education and suggests STEM-based school reforms to improve quality. This work contributes to STEM education research in Indonesia and has practical implications for Southeast Asian and Pacific educators and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-service teachers' training programs are of serene significance for the capacity building of Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers. The aim of this study was to find out the effectiveness of an in-service teacher's training program in Punjab, a province of Pakistan, through Kirkpatrick's model. A survey was conducted based on a total of 935 in-service ECE teachers who had participated in the training program conducted by the Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Educational Development (QAED), Punjab. The Partial Least Square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to determine the hierarchical relationship between Kirkpatrick's model's four levels i.e. reaction, learning, behavior, and results as well as the moderating impact of the trainees' motivation to apply their training to their workplace. The researcher found trainees satisfied with the training program at four measured levels of Kirkpatrick's model. This study also found that trainees have the motivation to transfer training, which affects their learning and behavior to improve the work environment. The study would be useful for training designers to make training effective by selecting motivated trainees and designing training according to the utility and work environment needs of the trainees. Researchers can conduct future research about the effectiveness of in-service teachers' online training programs through Kirkpatrick's model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study will discuss the similarities between cultural values in early childhood learning in Indonesia and New Zealand which are outlined in the curricula of both countries. The countries primarily care for children's education which clearly highlights every aspect of their development, in that the cultural values have been explicitly incorporated into the curriculum. This study is library research because it explores written resources of documents and the curriculum. The result of the study indicated that both countries believe that values of the local culture are important to instill in children through curriculum. The Indonesian curriculum, which has committed to innovation now and then, strongly emphasizes the cultural values of Pancasila in every aspect of children's education. Meanwhile, New Zealand introduced “Te Whariki” values to children in the learning process in class. Abstrak Penelitian ini akan membahas kesamaan antara nilai-nilai budaya dalam pembelajaran anak usia dini (PAUD) di Indonesia dan Selandia Baru yang dituangkan dalam kurikulum kedua negara. Kedua negara ini sangat peduli terhadap pendidikan anak-anak yang dengan jelas menyoroti setiap aspek perkembangan mereka karena nilai-nilai budaya kedua negara ini telah secara eksplisit dimasukkan dalam kurikulum. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kepustakaan karena mengeksplorasi sumber tertulis dokumen, kurikulum. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kedua negara percaya bahwa nilai-nilai budaya lokal penting untuk ditanamkan pada anak-anak melalui kurikulum. Kurikulum Indonesia yang saat ini berkomitmen terhadap inovasi yang sangat menekankan nilai-nilai budaya Pancasila dalam setiap aspek pendidikan anak. Sementara itu, Selandia Baru memperkenalkan nilai-nilai "Te Whariki" kepada anak-anak dalam proses pembelajaran di kelas.

Teacher professional development (TPD) is a process that ensures that teachers acquire the skills necessary to address the complex needs of 21st century children. To this end, over the last decade, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has undergone modifications, incorporating active and innovative methodologies in the study plans. Aligned with these principles, this research aims to evaluate the reforms implemented in Spanish universities for the initial training of early childhood education teachers. The opinions of 1048 future teachers from four Spanish universities were collected through a Likert-type questionnaire, measuring students’ perceptions of four factors: curricular design/planning, curricular implementation, evaluation strategies, and participation and interaction in the classroom. Perceptions on the first two factors are considered adequate and satisfactory, while problems persist in the third and fourth factors. Considering the results, we reflect on areas for improvement to provide early childhood education professionals with competencies in line with future roles and demands.

This study investigates the characteristics, perceptions, and practices of 150 male and 150 female Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers who work only in public sector schools in Faisalabad, Pakistan using a descriptive quantitative technique and a questionnaire that was designed specifically for this study. The research seeks to examine potential gender disparities in perspectives regarding the implementation of Education for All (EFA) policy in early childhood education (ECE) settings at the school level. These objectives were achieved by analysing demographics, teaching experiences, and attitudes towards important policies. The findings offered valuable insights into the unique perspectives of public-sector ECE teachers in Faisalabad, informing policy refinements and educational enhancements tailored to this specific context, with the ultimate goal of improving early childhood education quality and advancing policy implementation in the region. Major recommendations were professional development of ECE teachers, systematic feedback and collaborative problem-solving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the contemporary focus on literacy and digital stories in early childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions. When a group of young children create an animated story together, they might collaborate, both with their peers and with their teacher. By drawing on social semiotic multimodal perspectives as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this paper is to describe and explore how different modalities and narrative devices contribute to the development of an animated story created by six children (aged 4-5 years) and a teacher in collaboration. The study is a qualitative case study, focusing on contemporary events in a Norwegian kindergarten. The empirical material consists of video-recorded field observations of the process as well as the final product. Through an inductive exploration of the development of verbal narrative, three analytical strands are identified: i) verbal narrative in the final product, ii) multimodal narrative in the final product, and iii) narrative devices applied by the children during the process. The findings demonstrate the importance of including and considering the process, the product, narrative devices and all the modalities—in particular the kineikonic mode—when creating an animated story with young children. An implication of these findings is for ECE teachers and researchers to acknowledge and integrate all the various aspects that contribute to the final product when young children create animated stories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an inservice teachers’ training program imparted by Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Educational Development (QAED), School Education Department, Govt. of Punjab, Pakistan. Six ECE headteachers and six teachers from Punjab's rural and urban districts were selected through a convenient sampling technique. Semi-Structured protocol was developed and validated by five experts in the field. The data from the interviews was obtained using thematic analysis. The study's conclusions brought to light some issues, including a lack of funding, a continuous program for training teachers, ongoing caregiver hiring, a deficiency of rooms and staff, an ongoing monitoring system, and provision of an ECE kit. This study is captivating since it investigates the viewpoints of headteachers and teachers in Punjab's urban and ruler areas. The results have significant implications for how the Punjab government's school education department (QAED) and policymakers should evaluate the current state of early childhood education in the province. The results of this study will motivate researchers to carry out additional research of this type and inspire legislators to create laws that will assist ECE programs in strengthening or changing their present practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early childhood education (ECE) in South Africa and globally continues to present low numbers of male teachers. However, studies have highlighted the importance of having men in children’s lives in the schooling context. However, getting men into the early years comes with various challenges, including those that relate to men choosing teaching as a career and, in particular, negotiating the gendered norms. Therefore, it is important to understand the reflections of men in the early years of teaching. Objectives: This self-reflective paper reflects on the authors experiences as young men becoming early childhood teacher educators in two South African higher education institutions. Method: This qualitative study employed self-reflexive methodologies and narratives to show how the author have negotiated the normative constructions of gender in ECE. Results: The authors found that even though institutions of higher education are vehicles for transformation, there are historical and contextual gendered norms that perpetuate inequalities. They also found that the inequalities may contribute to the recruitment, retainment and resignation of men in ECE teaching. Conclusion: The paper suggests the need for conversations on transforming gender relations among staff and students within ECE disciplines. Contribution: The gendered inequalities experienced by male teacher educators demonstrate a need to revisit career development approaches for teacher education in South Africa.

This systematic literature review aimed to ascertain what participatory methods for young children have been used in peer-reviewed empirical articles. A systematic literature search yielded 75 articles. Based on their methodology, the studies were divided into six categories: (1) multi-method and the Mosaic approach, (2) observation and ethnography, (3) language-based methods, (4) visual methods, (5) creative and playful methods, and (6) children as co-researchers. The participatory features of these methods were then analyzed. The articles foregrounded the importance of the reflective use of methods, ethically grounded research practices, and carefully considering young children’s participation from multiple perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the contexts, structures and administrations of early childhood education (ECE) may differ internationally, effective pedagogical leadership remains an essential component in supporting young children's development and learning. This paper reports on a comparative study which considered ECE in two different settings, Finland and Florida, providing insight into teachers' perspectives on the characteristics of pedagogical leadership. This study sought to investigate and compare the perspectives of ECE teachers and directors in Finland and Florida via their discourses about teachers' pedagogical leadership. The goal was to provide an overview of the ECE teachers' and directors' discourses in each location, in order to allow comparison and a better understanding of the influence of aspects including locational contexts, curricular guidelines and teacher preparation on the ECE teachers' and directors' perspectives. A comparative case study design was used. The data consisted of semi-structured focus group interviews and individual interviews with ECE teachers and centre directors in Finland and in Florida. Data from the two locations were first analysed separately to identify the main discourses; secondly, discourses were compared collectively to reveal major themes. The analysis indicated a similar conceptualisation of distributed pedagogical leadership. However, differences were identified in teachers' expectations of independence in instructional decisions, and the extension of pedagogical leadership practices within and beyond the ECE centres. The analysis of discourses led to the identification of three major themes, which generated implications for teacher preparation, curriculum development and implementation, and ECE programme directions. The study enables a more comprehensible conceptualisation of teachers' pedagogical leadership as it emerged from teachers' and directors' discourses across two locations. Pedagogical leadership is recognised as an indicator of high-quality pedagogy in early childhood education and the findings highlight the need to continuously support and strengthen teachers' pedagogical leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to identify if children's play behaviour, temperament, and special educational needs (SEN) are interrelated. It is important to increase the awareness of the joint effects of temperament and SEN on behaviour so that early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers can provide the appropriate support for children with SEN and optimally guide their development. This study is a part of an early childhood special education (ECSE) project at the University of Helsinki. Children's (N = 332) educational needs were divided into four status groups: language disorders, self-regulatory difficulties, severe disabilities, and children without SEN. The temperament of each child was evaluated by their parents and play behaviour observed by ECSE teachers. The results show that children without SEN had more effortful control and social play than children with SEN. In addition, there were significant differences in temperament and play behaviour between the different SEN groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a small stories research narrative paradigm to examine social media posts that focused on efforts to sustain the delivery of early childhood education during COVID. Inductive and deductive content analysis focused on 1303 posts from 177 government officials and 1126 individual users (including preschools, kindergartens, teachers, and parents). The results include an analysis of conversational data that document implementation of the national policy to promote continuity of young children's learning, including digital resources used, learning content, and teaching approaches. Actor-centric contextual factors determined the success of delivering instruction remotely; however, other contextual components created the conditions that necessitated adaptation of instruction. The COVID outbreak (chrono-level) led to shifts in education delivery and informed national policy (macro-level), influenced the teachers' and parents' work contexts (exo-level), enhanced home-school collaboration (meso-level), and required implementation of technological solutions to support children's learning (micro-level). Contributions to theory, methodology, and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of participating in high-quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) have been recognized by people for many years; and the need for high-quality ECE has never been greater. In this case study, we focus on whether ECE can improve learning speed in five domains: social, emotional, communication, cognition, and physical development. The initial ages for each of these five domains, in months since birth, are collected and compared with that of common children as described in Nipissing District Developmental Screen (NDDS). We find that children in the ECE program learned faster with a p-value no >0.0078. In addition, students in an ECE program are labeled by their ages at enrollment as Cohort 1 (infant) and Cohort 2 (toddler), and we conduct the following statistical tests on their difference: Welch's t-test, Hoteling's T2-test, and survival analysis. We find that the average initial observation age of Cohort 1 is 4.82 months earlier than that of Cohort 2 with a p-value no >0.009. We are convinced that ECE programs could advance students' learning in all five domains.

This case study adopted a mixed methods approach to understanding how and why the free early childhood education (ECE) policy in Nanjing, China, was formulated, implemented, and failed, using the "policy cycle" framework. Many countries have implemented the free ECE policy to solve affordability and accessibility problems without considering policy sustainability; thus, they have to discontinue the policy. Nanjing is no exception. Altogether 232 kindergarten principals and teaching/research staff were randomly sampled and surveyed, and 5 kindergarten principals and 5 teaching/researcher staff were interviewed. The results indicated that there were many obstacles to the policy's sustainability, including conflict of interest, inefficient policy implementation, insufficient funding, and more social inequality issues. Additionally, the policymakers made mistakes in the five domains of the policy cycle: the context of influence, the context of policy text production, the context of practice, the context of outcomes, and the context of political strategy. Finally, the three important lessons for a more sustainable policy decision process are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Samoa has been a significant educational development for the first stage of children's school life. In this research, a mixed methodology approach using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed whereby quantitative data was collected and qualitative data provided further explanation. Findings from quantitative data indicated parents' contributions to preschool education whereas qualitative data focused on parents' and ECE principals' views on parental involvement. The findings revealed that the majority of teachers believed parents' support should take place outside the classroom. Some tensions were evident between parents' and teachers' perceptions and this paper concluded that there needed to be more consultation between parents, ECE principal, and teachers to establish mutual understanding acceptable to all in supporting children's early years of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to increase knowledge of teachers' understanding and experiences of using, or not using, digital tools in Early Childhood Education (ECE). The study takes a domestication theoretical approach based on interviews with twelve teachers from nine ECE institutions working with play-based learning with children aged 1–5 years from four different municipalities in Sweden. The study answers the following two research questions: In what ways, and to what extent, do teachers integrate digital tools in their work? What practical, symbolic or cognitive aspects affect their work with digital tools? The teachers have integrated the digital tools to different extent. The most useful tools for working with the children are tablets and beamers, which are devices that can be used in various ways. Digital tools used for administration are domesticated to a greater extent than the tools teachers use with the children. The study further shows that important factors in the successful domestication of digital tools in ECE include digital competence, including pedagogical aspects, in combination with personal drive and professional learning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines workforce reform in early childhood education in England, specifically the policy trajectory that led to implementation of the Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) qualification in 2014. Taking a critical perspective on policy analysis, the paper uses rhetorical analysis to make sense of the how EYTS is understood within workforce reform. From an assemblage of salient policy documents, we report our critical analysis of two key texts: Foundations for Quality and More Great Childcare. Both documents identify policy levers and drivers for reform, but from markedly different perspectives and with contrasting recommendations. By using rhetorical analysis to examine how these policy texts construct not only problems but also preferred solutions, we illustrate the paradoxical nature of early childhood policy in England as it relates to aspirations to raise the status of the sector and improve quality through the implementation of EYTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to investigate the facilities and hurdles as experienced by early childhood teachers and head teachers about early childhood education (ECE) programme implemented in the province of Punjab. The researchers carried out the research study by taking enrollment rate, retention rate, implementation problems and shortcomings of the early childhood education programme. The mixed methods approach was used by the researchers to achieve the study objectives. The population of the study was 324 (head teachers and Kachi class teachers) of 162 schools where the ECE program was being implemented in Hafizabad. A sample of 100 (50 head teachers and 50 teachers) was selected through purposive sampling technique. To collect data from the sampled participants, three tools were developed by the researchers i.e. student enrollment and retention sheet, an observation sheet and semi-structured interview protocol. Coding technique and descriptive statistics for example frequencies and percentages were applied to analyze data. It was found that there was an increase of enrollment in ECE classroom students. All basic facilities were found present in schools that included safe drinking water, furniture, ECE kit, a separate classroom for ECE purpose; problems found during implementation of ECE programme were of financial as well as administrative nature. Recommendations of the study were to provide finances to resolve financial problems and to give continuous trainings to class teachers as well as head teachers regarding ECE classroom activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Throughout the past decade, the Argentinean government has lowered the starting age of compulsory education and early childhood education enrollment has been growing steadily. However, ECE services have evolved in a fragmented manner, leading to an unequal and inequitable scenario: while private education supports the largest part of the growth, children from low-income families are less likely to attend preschool and more likely to receive low-quality service. Through a newspaper coverage analysis, I explore how these problems are addressed in the public debate on universal preschool. Results show that the voices of policy-makers and “experts” are prominent while teachers’ and parents’ views are ignored; I found a widespread consensus for universal preschool and a scarcity of arguments against. I suggest the need to draw on research findings in ECE more critically and posit that the need to ensure high quality preschool for all children should be central in the debate.

• Job satisfaction has stronger cross-lagged associations with the motivating factors, if compared with the hygiene factors. • Job satisfaction and work meaning reciprocally affect each other over time. • Job demands at Time 1 negatively predicted job satisfaction at Time 2. Role clarity at Time 2 was predicted by job satisfaction at Time 1. • Superior support at Time 1 predicted job satisfaction at Time 2. The present study uses a revised version of the Motivation–Hygiene theory as a theoretical framework to examine the cross-lagged associations in a sample of Italian pre-kindergarten (pre-k) teachers between job satisfaction and two types of psychosocial characteristics of the work environment: motivating factors (i.e., job demands, work meaning, and role clarity) and hygiene factors (i.e., work–family conflict, rewards, peer support, and superior support). In total, 349 pre-k teachers employed in a municipal early childhood education system of a city in Northwest Italy completed a questionnaire at two time points one year apart. Cross-lagged path analysis indicated a positive reciprocal relationship between job satisfaction and work meaning. The paths from job demands and superior support at Time 1 to job satisfaction at Time 2 were found to be significant. Finally, the path from job satisfaction at Time 1 to role clarity at Time 2 was positive and significant. The present study confirms the results of previous literature suggesting that motivating factors are more strictly associated than hygiene factors with job satisfaction. Moreover, it expands current knowledge by highlighting the importance of examining both the directionality of associations between the psychosocial characteristics of the work environment and job satisfaction. From a practical point of view, the study findings are important because they help identify possible interventions to promote the quality of work life and improve the quality of the service provided by Italian pre-k teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the past two decades, evidence has shown that quality early childhood education (ECE) has lasting positive impacts, enhances wellbeing in many domains, and contributes to reducing economic and health inequalities. In Canada, complex colonial history has affected Indigenous peoples' childrearing techniques, and there is a need to support community-owned programs and revitalize traditional values and practices. While several studies have described Indigenous approaches to childrearing, there is a lack of publications outlining the core content of preschool staff training and exploring Indigenous early childhood pedagogy. This article contributes to the literature by highlighting the features of a highly effective training model rooted in Inuit values that has been implemented in Nunavut. After describing how early childhood education is organized in Nunavut, we outline the challenges related to staff training and present the development and the pilot implementation of an evidence-based training program. We then discuss its successes and challenges and formulate suggestions for professionals and policymakers to enhance early childhood educators' training in the territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Citizen Science approach to building the evidence base is well established in many science disciplines, but is far from main stream in the social sciences. Prompted from the inquiry by the Australian Government’s Productivity Commission into the National Education Evidence Base and taking Early Childhood Education (ECE) as an example, this paper aims to provoke discussions about the possible contributions of a Citizen Science approach to broadening the methodological repertoire in ECE research and to positioning ECE research more powerfully in the politics of evidence. It argues that ECE stakeholders’ involvement in building the evidence base through a Citizen Science approach could have the potential to make significant contributions to knowledge construction in ECE.

Interest to engage older adults in early childhood education (ECE) programs is growing. Although still relatively new, intergenerational engagement is an innovative practice that could alter the way in which ECE is approached. This article explores intergenerational ECE programs and discusses the wide variety of benefits that intergenerational engagement brings to both children and older adults. This article examines existing intergenerational programs inside and outside of ECE to demonstrate how elements of those programs could inform intergenerational ECE programs. Drawing on lessons learned, we discuss challenges and present recommendations for development and implementation of future similar programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants are increasingly cared for by adults other than their parents. Here we describe non-parental infant care within a diverse cohort; and investigate the relationship between parents' antenatal intentions and actual infant care. 6822 New Zealand women were recruited during pregnancy and asked about their intentions for childcare. Non-parental care was assessed when infants were nine months old: 1717 (25%) of the 6853 cohort children were receiving more than 8 h per week of regular non-parental care. In comparison with infants of European mothers, infants of Asian or Pacific mothers were more likely to be cared for by extended family; and infants of Māori mothers were more likely to receive centre-based care. Infants from families with lower household incomes, living in more deprived areas were more likely to be cared for by family. When their infants were nine months old, mothers from low- to medium-income households were less likely to be using the type of non-parental care they had intended antenatally, and the same was true when their children were aged 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: South Africa needs citizens who are morally sound, adaptive to change, technologically innovative and literate in socio-scientific issues. The young child is apparently being prepared for active citizenry through basic “Social Science, Natural Sciences and Technology” education as encapsulated in the South African curriculum. Aim: We foreground a theoretical and analytical framework to map the cultural–historical trajectory of South Africa’s Beginning Knowledge curriculum. Setting: Cultivating citizenship requires that these science subject domains be incorporated in a coherent, well-conceptualised and relevant early childhood curriculum as suggested by international literature. Educators need to be specialists in socio-scientific issues in both the content and pedagogy of these sciences in order to expound the curriculum. Methods: Our newly coined hybridised theoretical framework - the ‘Hybrid CHAT’ - together with an aligned analytical framework enabled us to illuminate the historical subject-didactical genetic development of Beginning Knowledge. An extensive sample of typographical textbooks, artefacts and cultural tools were analysed and interpreted. Results: Beginning Knowledge is afforded limited teaching time. The knowledge, skills and values associated with these science subjects serve to support and strengthen the acquisition of language and mathematics competencies. Currently, Beginning Knowledge does not sufficiently prepare child citizens for the global demands of the 21st century. Conclusion: Hybrid CHAT could invite further studies to place Beginning Knowledge on par with international curricula. This would also align the curriculum with the aspirations for an ideal South African citizenry as well as prepare child citizens to pursue Science and Technology for social development.