Childcare Workers' Child-Centered Practice: The Mediating Role of Beliefs in Children and Child Participation

• In Event: Responding to Factors Impacting Early Care and Education

Abstract

A stimulating learning environment sets one of the important indicators for high-quality early childhood education and care service. The present study examined the factors affecting whether a teacher would create a stimulating learning environment in childcare setting. Forty-five childcare workers were recruited from 3 Hong Kong childcare centres to complete a set of questionnaires. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling approach. The findings showed that self-efficacy in delivering child-centred teaching approach was significantly associated with their practice in creating a stimulating learning environment. However, their beliefs in children as active learners and child participation accounted for their practices as significant mediators. The findings have both theoretical and practical significance, which will be further discussed.

Authors

• Rohnii Tse, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education
  Presenting Author

• Cathy On-Ying Hung, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education
  Presenting Author