Preschool Gifted Education: Perceived Challenges Associated With Program Development

• In Event: Surveys in Gifted Education and Creativity Research

Abstract

This descriptive study investigated the challenges related to implementing gifted education services in preschool centers. Participants completed a researcher-created survey to examine the perceived challenges of providing preschool gifted education services. Ninety-five percent of the centers had no formal policies or practices, and eighty-six percent of the centers had provided no gifted education training to staff. Using qualitative techniques of constant comparative analysis, substantive and theoretical categories yielded seven verifiable themes related to perceived challenges of gifted education in preschool centers: (a) finding and retaining a trained and qualified staff, (b) balancing time, space, and money constraints, (c) implementing gifted education practices, (d) overcoming oppositional beliefs, (e) acquiring educational resources, (f) outside factors, and (g) finding information and guidance.

Authors

• Rania Camille Salman, University of North Texas

• Mattie Oveross, University of North Texas

• Todd Kettler, University of North Texas