Capturing Early Childhood Educators&rsquo; Learning Process in the New Normal: A Case Study of a Group Childcare Center in British Columbia, Canada

INOCENTA  S. VILLAMERA,; JUDITH  C. CHAVEZ,

Capturing Early Childhood Educators’ Learning Process in the New Normal: A Case Study of a Group Childcare Center in British Columbia, Canada

INOCENTA S. VILLAMERA | JUDITH C. CHAVEZ

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

Childhood educators are adjusting as they transition from the global pandemic to the new normal. This qualitative study explored the learning processes facilitated by teachers for children in a group childcare center in British Columbia, Canada, during the new normal. The case study identified six teachers who were purposefully identified based on the following criteria: being licensed childhood educators, teaching in the facility, and showing a willingness to participate in the study. The twenty young children were likewise chosen considering these conditions: they are enrolled in the facility, aged three to four, and their parents gave their written consent. In-depth interviews, classroom observations, photographs, and field notes were utilized. Trustworthiness was also observed in the study. Findings reveal three emerging themes: engaging children in deliberate play-based activities streamlining classroom management, and challenging and rewarding learning. The study concludes that the teachers’ learning process is characterized by high learner engagement in deliberate play-based activities. The facilitators of learning have to streamline their classroom management through creative scaffolding, collaboration, and modifications in their teaching and pacing. Facilitating learning is a confluence of challenges, job fulfillment, and positive impact. Thus, further investigation may be conducted to verify the findings in other childcare centers in British Columbia, Canada.

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