Training Program Reshapes How Preschool Teachers Work With Young Children
An international professional development program designed for parents shows promise when used to train preschool educators, according to new research. Teachers who completed the training reported stronger relationships with children and improvements in kids' behavior and communication—findings that could reshape early childhood workforce development.
Originaltitel: A qualitative study of perceived changes in preschool educators and children after participating in the International Child Development Programme (ICDP)
<p>One important factor for preschool children's well-being and development is the relationship with their teachers. The International Child Development Programme (ICDP) is a health promotion and prevention programme for caregivers of children. There is research about ICDP as a parenting programme but almost none about its usefulness for professional caregivers. This study aims to explore perceived changes in preschool educators and children after participating in ICDP. Written evaluations by educators were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The educators reported strengthened and improved professional role, changed perception and improved approach towards the children. The educators also reported positive changes in the children, e.g., improved social behaviour, emotional balance and verbal communication, as well as increased self-agency. Our study suggests that ICDP is a plausible intervention for professional development in relational work, which educators experience as beneficial for both themselves and the children. More research is necessary to strengthen these tentative conclusions.</p>