Guidelines for Enhancing Early Childhood Teacher Preparation and Development in Higher Education Institutions in Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to study the preparation and development of early childhood teachers in Thai higher education institutions. Overall, the study established 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 data were conducted in 2020. The participants were (1) Administrators or lectures, accountable for producing early childhood teachers, in the higher institutes in 4 regions, (2) Students in Early Childhood Education Programs, (3) School authority, mentors, student teachers, (4) Graduated in Early Childhood Education Programs, (5) Representatives from 4 relevant Ministries, (6) Early Childhood Teachers in different affiliations, (7) Senior experts in policymaking, and (8) Specialist in early childhood teacher preparation and development. 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 facing the teachers to meet the requirements.