Teacher/caregiver practices influencing the early development of emotion regulation in toddlers

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Phyllis Gloeckler (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Judith Niemeyer

Abstract: "The overall purpose of this study was to explore and describe teacher/caregiver practices that may be considered supportive of toddlers learning to regulate their emotions and behaviors. Specifically two foci were examined. First, this research study explored and described practices teachers/caregivers used to create relationships with toddlers. Second, it explored and described practices and strategies teachers/caregivers used when responding to a child who was distressed, upset, or crying. Using a case study design, three lead toddler teachers/caregivers from separate classrooms (three cases) participated in the study along with the 8 to10 children enrolled in each classroom and their parents. Through teacher observation, teacher and parent interviews, and child temperament assessment, insight was gained into the patterns of practices and strategies teachers used with the toddlers to create relationships and to respond when children were upset or crying. While results indicated there were many practices teachers used with young children, there were certain patterns of teachers' practices that were high quality and may be considered to be very supportive of growth promoting relationships with young children and calming children who were upset or crying. These practices lay the foundation for toddlers learning emotion regulation and therefore, are highly influential and desirable teacher practices. Additional outcomes regarding the importance of teachers/caregivers being both physically and emotionally present with children, sitting down on the level of the children and engaging in reciprocal interactions were found. Future studies are needed on the environmental aspects of teacher practices influencing the early development of emotion regulation."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2006
Keywords
teacher, caregiver, practices, supportive, toddlers, learning, regulate, emotions, behaviors
Subjects
Toddlers--Care--United States
Emotions in children
Preschool teachers--Attitudes
Child care--Psychological aspects

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