Preschool teachers’ beliefs in practices with 2-year old children

Abstract

Enrolment of 2-year old children in preschool has generated disputes among professionals and parents in the Czech Republic. This study tests two hypotheses: (1) Preschool teachers who teach 2 year old children have higher scores on pedagogical beliefs in the care area than on other areas. (2) These teachers have higher scores on pedagogical beliefs in the care area than those who teach children of ages 3-6. Two samples of teachers from the eastern part of the Czech Republic were recruited: those who teach 2-year old children and those who teach 3-6 year old children. A self-rate questionnaire was used to assess the level of beliefs. The data revealed that teachers in both samples have very high level of pedagogical beliefs. Those who teach 2-year old children believe that care is the strongest component in their practices in classes (hypothesis 1 supported), however, their scores on care does not prevail over teachers who teach 3-6 year old children (hypothesis 2 not supported). Teachers who teach 3-6 year old children significantly prevail over their colleagues who teach 2-year old children in self-help, autonomy, and cognitive learning. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology.