Educators’ Roles in Promoting Foster Care Children’s Sense of Well-Being in Early Childhood Settings
Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
School
Education
Advisor
Mary B. Trube
Abstract
This qualitative study addressed educators’ roles in promoting a sense of well-being in prekindergarten and kindergarten students in the foster care system in the southwestern United States. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory framed this exploration of educators’ roles in supporting foster children’s sense of well-being. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit nine educators from three different school settings with a minimum of 3 years of experience working with students in foster care. Data were collected during digitally audio-recorded interviews that explored how two administrators, two curriculum specialists, and five teachers with 3 to 25 years of experience working with students in foster care, promoted foster children’s sense of well-being in early childhood settings. Data analysis consisted of holistic coding that revealed descriptive phrases, patterns, categories, and themes. Synthesis of data resulted in the following overarching themes: (a) communication when forming relationships, (b) observation when maintaining a safe environment, (c) intervention when providing resources, (d) reflection when advocating for foster children and families, (e) collaboration when recognizing interrelationships among school stakeholders, (f) introspection when being mindful of personal wellness needs, and (g) professional preparation when seeking support for working with students in foster care. Findings contribute to positive social change by revealing educators’ roles as communicators, observers, interveners, collaborators, and advocates for students in foster care and their families. Further studies are needed to identify professional development for early childhood educators and family education programs for students’ foster and biological families to promote the well-being of early childhood students in the foster care system.
Recommended Citation
Snyder, Francoise Erlich, "Educators’ Roles in Promoting Foster Care Children’s Sense of Well-Being in Early Childhood Settings" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10545.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/10545
