Exploring U.S. Early Childhood Educators’ Understanding of Spirituality and Its Implications for Teacher Preparation Programs (Poster 37)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 9:35 am
  In Poster Session: The Tapestry of Spirituality and Education

Abstract

This study explored in-service early childhood educators' understanding of children's spirituality using the recently validated instrument Early Childhood Educators' Spiritual Practices in the Classroom (ECE-SPC) (Mata-McMahon, et al., 2023). The responses of 318 educators working with children ages 0 to 8 across 36 U.S. states were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to data analysis (Glaser, 1992). Findings revealed a multilayered understanding of children's spirituality, organized into three categories: essence (f 208), place of origin (f 121), and actions or practices concerning others (f 86). These findings can inform teacher preparation programs supporting pre-service educators engaging in self-reflection and reflective pedagogical practices including mindfulness and meditation.

Author

• Jennifer Mata-McMahon, University of Maryland - Baltimore County