“It’s Important to Have Windows so You Can Get Sunlight”: Understanding Children’s Perceptions of Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care Settings

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 7:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Children’s Perspectives

Abstract

Across the globe, children are spending more time in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, yet quality assessments rarely include their perspectives. This study addressed that gap using photovoice methodology with 21 children across five ECEC programs in Halifax, Canada. Children photographed and described their favorite aspects of care, including materials, activities, and use of physical space. Few referenced peer or educator interactions. Responses were qualitatively mapped onto a classroom-level quality measure to explore alignment. Findings show that children’s input can reveal meaningful insights into quality and highlight features often missed by existing tools. This study underscores the importance of including children’s voices in quality improvement efforts and ECEC policy development.

Authors

• Samantha Burns, University of Guelph

• Jesseca Perlman, University of Toronto - OISE

• Michal Perlman, University of Toronto - OISE