Supporting the Early Childhood Workforce: Findings From a Social Network Analysis and Training Needs Assessment

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Early Childhood Workforce Issues

Abstract

A survey of a diverse network of providers and professionals in early childhood (EC) care and education is used to identify training and educational resources available to the EC workforce, unmet training needs, and potential barriers to seeking out support. Social Network Analysis techniques are used to describe ties between providers and professional organizations offering training and support, and to explore relationships between program type, provider connectedness, and perceived access (or lack thereof) to high-quality training and support. Preliminary findings indicate unmet training needs around working with children with special needs, supporting early learning in STEM topics, and providing access to care for infants and toddlers. Implications for policy and practice that increases access to high quality care are discussed.

Authors

• Maria Fusaro, San José State University

• Andrea Golloher, San José State University

• Emily Slusser, San Jose State University