No More Sensory Play: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Childcare Curriculum Changes

• In Event: Ongoing COVID Impacts in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Recent research documents early care and education program level changes that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, little research addresses changes at the curriculum level. This study fills the gap by exploring what occurred at the curriculum level in family child care and center-based care settings to gain a better understanding of how local and state policies influenced daily routines and practices. We conducted in-depth interviews with 12 child care practitioners to learn more about curriculum and instructional practice changes in the early months of the pandemic. Findings revealed 1) significant disruption with daily routines and physical interactions, 2) extensive change with materials, room/setting, and instruction, and 3) challenges beyond curriculum such as financial stress, and practitioner wellbeing.

Authors

• Annette Pic, University of Delaware
  Presenting Author

• Myae Han, University of Delaware
  Presenting Author

• Anamarie Auger Whitaker, University of Delaware
  Non-Presenting Author

• Tia Navelene Barnes, University of Delaware
  Non-Presenting Author