Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Abcs Of Behavior: Strategies To Effectively Reduce Challenging Behaviors, Sarah Matthews

Spark! Innovations in Early Childhood Education: A Research-to-Practice Journal for Educators

This paper explores the application of the ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) model and functional behavior assessments (FBAs) to understand and manage challenging behaviors in early childhood education settings. Grounded in developmental theory and informed by professional experience as an early interventionist, the paper emphasizes the importance of identifying behavioral triggers and using individualized, developmentally appropriate strategies. The role of collaboration among teachers, families, and specialists is highlighted as essential for consistent and effective intervention. Key strategies discussed include coaching caregivers, embedding interventions within natural classroom environments, and using positive, non-punitive approaches to time-out. The paper advocates for proactive, respectful behavioral guidance practices …

Letter From The Editor, Cynthia Dicarlo

Spark! Innovations in Early Childhood Education: A Research-to-Practice Journal for Educators

No abstract provided.

Welcoming Spaces: Parent Leadership And Early Literacy As Community-Based Co-Regulation Supports, Lauren S. Dake

Masters Projects

Many young children exhibit challenging behavior in early childhood settings, often as a response to high levels of stress in their home and community environments. This applied master’s project presents Welcoming Spaces, a parent-led initiative developed to support children’s emotional development, caregiver well-being, and early literacy through informal, community-based experiences. In response to concerns about rising dysregulation and reduced access to supportive environments, the project offers portable play areas hosted by parents at events such as school functions, library gatherings, and local festivals. These spaces include calming sensory activities and opportunities for shared reading, while also providing caregivers with …

Expressive Language And Behavior, Bethany J. Butler

Masters Projects

Research has revealed the importance of language and its correlation with behavior. Although language and behavior are both forms of communication, this project explores young children and their relationship with society. Honing in on the essential importance of efficient expressive language to be able to participate in society. Looking at common barriers that may hinder the language process. Exploring Maslow and his hierarchy of needs, and understanding that the basic needs have to be met before having the ability to learn. In summary, the project focused on how to support the increase in language in different stages.

The Impact Of Social-Emotional Development In Early Childhood On Academic Success, Chelsea Bassett

Masters Projects

Research consistently shows that social-emotional competencies such as emotional regulation, empathy, interpersonal skills and self-awareness play a foundational role in a student’s ability to engage in learning, collaborate with peers, persist through struggles and achieve academically. Deficits in these skills are associated with decreased motivation, disruptive behavior, poor relationships with peers and teachers and diminished academic performance. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and supported by evidence-based frameworks, this project explores how intentionally targeting social-emotional learning can strengthen both student well-being and academic outcomes. This project examines the relationship between social-emotional development and academic achievement in early childhood and elementary education. …

Listening To Families: A Perspective On Practice For Reframing Chronic Absenteeism Through Parent Voice, Anthony S. Felder

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Chronic absenteeism remains a critical issue in U.S. schools, particularly in urban communities disproportionately affected by poverty, trauma, and systemic inequities. Traditional attendance interventions often disregard the lived experiences of families, resulting in strategies that lack empathy and effectiveness. This perspective article draws on qualitative findings from parent focus groups conducted in a high-need urban district to emphasize what families believe schools should do to better support consistent attendance. Key themes highlight the necessity for practical resource support and two-way, trust-based communication between schools and families. Grounded in both practitioner experience and current research, this article presents actionable recommendations for …

Primary School Teachers’ Perceptions On The Implementation Of Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports, Heather Page

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Student disruptive behaviors are a growing problem affecting schools and teachers. Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) is designed to help educators reduce disruptive students. The problem at a southeastern primary school was, despite implementing PBIS, teachers were concerned the model was ineffective in terms of managing students’ disruptive behaviors. Framed using the PBIS model by Sugai and Horner, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine teachers’ perceptions regarding implementing the PBIS model for behavior modification and what was needed to improve the program. Data were collected from 11 primary school teachers in grades K-3 using semistructured interviews. …

The Power Of Core Memories In Financial Education For Gen Alpha Children, Karen Richel

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Financial education plays a critical role in shaping lifelong financial behaviors and decision-making skills. To create a lasting impact, it is essential to establish core memories associated with money management from an early age. This article explores the significance of these foundational experiences and their role in financial education for Gen Alpha children.

A series of eight immersive financial education events was developed to meet state and national standards for students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. These events employ play-based and object-based learning approaches, immersing students in engaging, age-appropriate activities that incorporate real-world scenarios. By creating a fun and memorable …

Food Access And Food Insecurity Among Early Childhood Educators And Staff Prior To And During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study, Rahel Mathews, Leah Pylate, Will Davis, Elizabeth Thorne, Jamila Taylor, Shecoya White, Bennett Pope, Emma Bryant

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Emerging research indicates that 40% of early childhood education (ECE) workers experience food insecurity. The purpose of this study was to describe the food insecurity and food access of Head Start teachers and staff in Mississippi before the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand how COVID-19 affected food access. A mixed-methods design was employed using cross-sectional surveys, at two different time points, and three focus groups. Three Head Start centers from the Mississippi Coast participated. Approximately 52% of teacher and staff respondents experienced food insecurity before COVID-19; during the pandemic, their level of food insecurity worsened from low to very low …

Child Development: A Developmentally Appropriate Practices Approach, Second Edition, D.R. Meece

Open Textbooks

The book follows a topical approach and covers children from prenatal to late childhood/early adolescence. The book follows a Developmentally Appropriate Practices approach, emphasizing that development results from the interaction of age-related expectations, culture and context, and individual child characteristics. The text is written for education majors, as well as others who will work with children and families in a variety of fields, including psychology, social work, nursing, and others.

Tennessee K-3 Teachers’ Perceptions Of Structured Literacy Curriculum Based On The Science Of Reading: A Phenomenological Approach, Amy L. Reece Townsend

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to explore the perceptions and knowledge of Tennessee kindergarten, first-grade, second-grade, and third-grade teachers regarding early literacy and science-based curricula that incorporate the science of reading. This study examined the experiences of kindergarten through third-grade teachers in a Tennessee school district as they transitioned to a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading. The goal was to understand how teachers adapted to the new methods, what helped them succeed, and what challenges they faced during the change.

Data collection included in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Analysis of data occurred in three phases: (a) categorization …

The Application Of Evidence-Based Practices In Diverse Environments, Emily R. Simon

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Much research supports the argument that students and educators perform better when evidence-based practices are used in the classroom. However, applying these practices across diverse environments can be a challenge. Each class and school is unique, and these differences affect the transferability of these methods in the classroom. This thesis examines how research-based methods on relationship building and instructional practices are implemented and/or modified across different school settings: suburban, urban, special education, general education, and multicultural/multilingual spaces.

Through research on current educational practices, this thesis identifies commonly used evidence-based practices for building relationships between teachers, students, and families, as well …

Barriers To Parental Engagement In Early Childhood Education, Jordan E. Clark

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parental engagement in early childhood education has long been recognized as a foundational contributor to children's academic success. However, many families face persistent barriers that limit their participation. This study examined three primary obstacles to parental engagement: disabilities, socioeconomic status, and underdeveloped parent–teacher relationships. The findings suggested that intentional, community-centered approaches effectively reduce barriers to engagement, strengthen school–family partnerships, and offer replicable models for promoting equitable participation in early childhood education settings. To bring these strategies to life, the study included a family engagement event developed in collaboration with a childcare center serving children with developmental delays, which provided a …

Fostering Social-Emotional Development And Understanding In A Preschool Environment, Kaya Jensen

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Teaching young children about friendship is crucial for fostering healthy development, building self-esteem, and helping them navigate their world. Friendship aligns with social-emotional development and children’s abilities to create and maintain peer connections. Early friendships are significant for children’s moral development, increasing attention to fairness, sympathy, and helpfulness (Dunn et al., 2000). Children who do not learn how to build friendships risk isolation and miss out on valuable life lessons, such as cooperation, empathy, self-esteem, and social skills that reduce stress and promote well-being. In order to address the issue, I delivered two lessons about friendship to preschool children at …

Princesses & Unicorns, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on the topic of princesses and unicorns.

Dinosaurs, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on the topic of dinosaurs.

Espanol Chapter Books, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on chapter books in Spanish.

Infant And Toddler, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on books for infants and toddlers.

Espanol Kids, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on children's books in Spanish.

Pets, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on the topic of pets.

Early Reader, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on early reader books.

Espanol Adult, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on adult books in Spanish.

Health Literacy, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on the topic of health literacy for all ages.

Espanol Young Adult, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on young adult books in Spanish.

Manga, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on manga.

Sharks, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on the topic of sharks.

Superheroes, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on the topic of super heroes.

Transportation, Children's Health

Book Recommendations

Book recommendation list from the digital library collection focused on the topic of transportation.

Early Childhood Educators' Perception Of Burnout: Impact On Educator Self-Efficacy, Teacher-Child Relationships, And Children's Emotional Regulation, Isaac M.D. Bowman

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Early childhood educators (ECE) play a critical role in the academic advancement and nurturing care provided to children in their care, a distinct difference in role and responsibilities compared to traditional K-12 schooling. Published by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, a report pertaining to ECE turnover revealed a nearly 40% annual turnover rate. Factors ECEs previously attributed to their exit of the early childhood education field involve low wage, low self-efficacy, and dealing with challenging behaviors. While not an exhaustive list, in a field relying predominantly on routine and consistency, ECE turnover rate highlights a necessity in exploring potential indirect …

A Qualitative Case Study: Exploring Distributed Leadership In Instructional Leadership Teams, Martha Reyna Perez

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explored the role of distributed leadership within Instructional Leadership Teams (ILTs) at the elementary level, using Beckhard’s (1972) GRPI framework— Goals, Roles, Processes, and Interpersonal Relationships—as a lens. Conducted as a qualitative case study at Rio Vista Elementary in Lone Star Independent School District, the research examined how ILTs functioned in the context of post-pandemic education, focusing on collaboration between administrators and teacher leaders. Guided by Spillane’s (2006) distributed leadership theory, the study addressed three questions: the lived experiences of ILT members, shifts in teacher leadership and organizational conditions, and perceived impacts on student outcomes. Findings showed that …