Abstract
This research aims to
study the preparation and development of early childhood teachers in Thai
higher education institutions. Overall, the study intended to establish the
guidelines and the policy proposals for enhancing the “preparation and
development” of early childhood teachers in Thai higher education institutions;
following the Standard of the National Early Childhood Development Institution.
Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected with relevant groups and
stakeholders in the process of preparation and development of early childhood
teachers in 4 regions. The participants were 1. The administrators or the lecturers
in the higher institutions who are accountable for training early childhood
teachers; 2. Students in early childhood education program; 3. The school
authority, mentors, student teachers 4. The graduates and 5. the senior experts
in early childhood education, the representatives from the Ministries who are
involved in the process of preparation and development of early childhood
teachers. The quantitative data were collected from a group of respondents, a
total number was 8,534. The research tools included interviews, group
discussions, Data record forms, and the questionnaires of management and
organising learning experiences for early childhood development according to
the Standard of the National Early Childhood Development Institute. The
qualitative data analysis was made using content analysis. The quantitative
data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and inference statistics using One
Way ANOVA statistical analysis, the correlation analysis, and confirmatory
factor analysis (CFA). The results of the research revealed that early
childhood teacher preparation conditions of higher education institutions in
Thailand can be classified into 8 areas. The findings revealed
that early childhood teachers in different affiliations had developed relevant
knowledge, understandings and strengthening the competency in organising
activities for early childhood development. However, there are several
challenges had been facing the teachers to meet the requirements.
Keywords:Early Childhood Teacher,
Higher education institutions, Preparation and Development for Early
Childhood Teacher
