A Content Analysis of Early Childhood Teachers’ Theoretical and Practical Experiences With Infants and Toddlers in Australian Teacher Education Programs

Do Master early childhood teacher education programs provide adequate coverage of infants and toddlers?: A review of content

“…In another Australian study, a content analysis of Bachelor degree early childhood teacher education programs (aged birth to eight years) highlighted that infants and toddlers received limited attention compared to older children (Garvis, Lemon, Pendergast, & Yim, 2013). While the range of early childhood teacher education programs claim to have a broad reach (from birth to eight years of age), typically there is a light touch in the earlier years (0-3 years) (Garvis et al, 2013).…”

“…While the range of early childhood teacher education programs claim to have a broad reach (from birth to eight years of age), typically there is a light touch in the earlier years (0-3 years) (Garvis et al, 2013). Garvis and Lemon (2015) together with Ireland (2006) note that there is not a strong tradition of teachers being involved in infant/toddler programs across Australia.…”

“…In early childhood teacher education, it is important that such views about children are challenged. Garvis et al (2013) suggests that in order to overcome this deficit view, what is required is teacher transformation in the Australian early childhood education sector. Agbenyega (2012, 142) notes that as "preservice early childhood teachers do not know what to expect in child care and kindergartens; a transformational approach to teacher preparation is crucial for preparing them to adapt to changing pedagogical and contextual situations".…”

“…As important as this age is, in terms of providing the foundation for future educational and social emotional development, in Australia, this age range was found to have received little attention in undergraduate early childhood teacher education, with a greater focus on kindergarten (3 years old) and school aged children (5 years onwards) (Garvis, Lemon, Pendergast & Yim, 2013). These findings are not unique to Australia, with a number of American states reporting similar (Recchia et al, 2010).…”

Early Childhood Science Education Trends in Turkey: Where From? Where To?

“…Therefore, goverments around the world increased spending in early childhood education (Garvis, Lemon, Pendergast, & Yim, 2013). The results also determined that a vast majority of the papers used quantitative research methods, mainly conducting surveys and using experimental design.…”