Expanding the Framework: U.S. In-Service Early Childhood Educators on Children’s Spirituality

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: The Spiritual Remedy and Renewal for a More Just Education (Table 10)

Abstract

This paper presents findings from an ongoing study on early childhood educators' understanding of children's spirituality in secular settings. Using the Early Childhood Educators' Spiritual Practices in the Classroom (ECE-SPC) (Author et al., 2023), 513 responses to the question, "What do you understand children's spirituality to be?" were analyzed. Phase II findings revealed a complex understanding of children's spirituality, consistent with Phase I. Using a grounded theory approach (Glaser, 1992), responses were organized into a framework of (1) Concepts defining children’s spirituality (f 385), (2) Manifestations of spirituality (f 123), (3) Factors promoting spiritual development (f 89), and (4) Expectations of adults and children (f 58). This framework aids in constructing a shared understanding to promote holistic child development.

Authors

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

• Xixellonje Nebihu, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Ana Katrina Aquino, University of Maryland - Baltimore County