COVID-19 and Early Childhood Workforce Mental Health Needs: An Exploratory Investigation

• In Event: Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This paper presents findings from an exploratory survey that sought to understand how New York State’s early childhood workforce was faring early in the COVID-19 pandemic (n=3,555). This was a project of the New York City Early Childhood Research Network, a research-practice partnership organized to create evidence-informed public policy. Among the key findings were high levels of reported stress, for instance those working remotely were approximately one-and-a-half times more likely to rate their emotional well-being negatively than those whose settings were closed, and a strong desire for mental health support. While these findings should be treated cautiously, as this analysis is based upon a convenience sample, the issues respondents raised have broader policy implications that warrant ongoing attention.

Authors

• Kate Tarrant, The City University of New York

• Mark Nagasawa, Bank Street College of Education