The Perception of Cross Sectoral Early Years Educators on their Role in Developing the Voice and Agency of 3-7 Year Olds with Specific Regard to Minority Children
Citation:
Daríona McClafferty, 'The Perception of Cross Sectoral Early Years Educators on their Role in Developing the Voice and Agency of 3-7 Year Olds with Specific Regard to Minority Children'Download Item:
Abstract:
Regulatory bodies such as the Department of Education and Skills (2011) and the
National Curriculum for Curriculum and Assessment (2016) outline the need for
connections and consistency across philosophies in early years educational sectors for
3-7 year olds. However, in many cases the connections across philosophies are nonexistent
in reality. The philosophies of both preschool and primary education
encompass a broad range of areas. This study focuses specifically on what is
occurring in terms of the voice and agency of minority children. This qualitative study
was designed under an interpretivist paradigm. Focus groups and interviews were the
tools chosen for data collection. The data was collected and analysed from 10 early
years educator participants, 5 preschool and 5 primary educators to investigate the
perception of their role regarding voice and agency of minority children. The study
found that there are distinct differences in policies implemented in the early years and
primary education sectors in regards to the voice and agency of minority children.
There were also differences between the single and multi-denominational settings in
terms of policies of inclusion that have implications on the voice and agency of
minority children. There were also indications that these teachers do perceive
themselves as having a role in developing the voice and agency of minority children.
However, they felt that this role is most effective when the intersecting structures in a
child’s life all work together. With reference to pertinent literature, recommendations
for best practice are made.
Author: McClafferty, Daríona
Advisor:
McCutcheon, FintanQualification name:
Master in Education Studies (Early Childhood Education)Type of material:
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