Funding, Advising, and Friends: Supports Students in Postsecondary Early Childhood Preparation Programs Need to Be Successful

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: Diverse Voices to Improve Early Childhood Outcomes (Table 13)

Abstract

Recruiting, preparing, and supporting a well-qualified early childhood (EC) workforce is a priority for the EC field. As states try to draw more people into the EC workforce and incentivize their attainment of postsecondary education and EC credentials, it is important to identify the resources students believe are necessary. This paper used quantitative data from an explanatory sequential mixed methods study to determine the supports EC students (n=94) believe helped them be successful in their preparation programs. Students identified financial assistance, academic guidance and support, and community supports to be the most beneficial. Analysis revealed that students enrolled in degree programs and full-time students experienced more supports than their peers. Implications for policy and EC preparation system improvement are discussed.

Authors

• Kaitlin Northey, University of Vermont
  Presenting Author

• Jordan Couzo, The University of Vermont
  Presenting Author