ERIC Number: EJ1251383
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-9289
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Structural and Process Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care Provisions in Poland and the Netherlands: A Cross-National Study Using Cluster Analysis
Early Education and Development, v31 n4 p524-540 2020
This cross-national study involved 56 toddler classrooms in Poland and the Netherlands. A cluster analysis was conducted to identify classroom profiles based on observed quality and these were compared regarding structural (group size and children-to-teacher ratio) and curriculum (e.g. pre-academics and pretend play) characteristics. In total, 224 video clips were evaluated with the CLASS Toddler and 130 teachers reported on structural and curriculum aspects. Research Findings: The findings for both countries showed moderate to high emotional support and low to moderate support for learning; the pattern of self-reported provision of activities was shaped alike. Three quality profiles were distinguished: i) high positive climate and support for learning, ii) overall low quality, iii) high emotional and low educational support. Overall, favorable structural conditions and a balanced curriculum including a broad range of activities were associated with highest process quality. Practice or Policy: A variety of different activities and high levels of developmentally stimulating interactions in an overall positive and warm classroom climate can support toddlers' broad development and learning. Professional development and a center's pedagogical policy and vision can play an important role in improving quality and implementing age-appropriate play and activities when an official curriculum is lacking.
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Educational Quality, Child Care, Comparative Education, Foreign Countries, Toddlers, Classroom Environment, Play, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Teacher Student Ratio, Teacher Student Relationship, Group Activities, Self Management, Learning Activities, Class Size, Preschool Curriculum
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Poland; Netherlands
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Classroom Assessment Scoring System
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A