Poster #25 - Unpacking the Work of Early Childhood Coaches: Who Are They and What Do They Need?

• In Event: 35.081 - MTCC Poster Session Eight
  In Poster Session: 35.081-2 - Early Childhood Poster Session 2

Abstract

Coaching in early childhood is implemented across a variety of contexts and coaching programs. As a result, the field of early childhood lacks consistent information on who coaches are, their perspectives on their work, or their needs as learners. The examination of coaches’ perspectives across coaching contexts is critical to move the field forward and better understand how to support coaches to make the largest impacts for children and families. The concurrent mixed-method study is an initial step in addressing this gap. The results confirm other work identifying the importance of relationship development, reveal perceived challenges in the process of early childhood coaching, and identify coaches’ preferred professional development experiences to improve the coaching process.

Authors

• Rachel E. Schachter, University of Nebraska

• Holly Hatton-Bowers, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Lisa Knoche, University of Nebraska - Lincoln