Extending the Definition of Quality Childcare: Preschool Teachers' General Psychological and Job-Related Wellbeing

Psychology: 2nd Place (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)Increased awareness of the positive effects of high-quality early care and education on children’s learning and development has brought greater focus on what constitutes quality in childcare settings. Teachers’ general psychological and job-related wellbeing are factors that contribute to better childcare quality. The predictors of teachers’ wellbeing, however, have rarely been examined. The present study explores the associations between program environment (teachers’ relationships with coworkers and directors, working conditions, number of assistant teachers, and classroom chaos), early childcare policy (minimum required education for directors and lead teachers and requirements for initial training in child development), and teacher-reported general and job-related wellbeing while controlling for teachers’ professional backgrounds. We used stratified random sampling to collect data from 1129 early childcare teachers. Using multiple regression analyses, we identified areas of significance pertaining to program quality and teachers’ general and job-related wellbeing. Classroom chaos was associated with teachers’ wellbeing domains, such as coping, stress, depression, emotional exhaustion, job competence and satisfaction (β = -.21 - .39, p < .01). Working conditions were also associated with teachers’ psychological wellbeing (e.g., stress, depression, and job satisfaction; β = -.76 - .40, p < .05). Positive associations between relationships with coworkers, and job competence (β = .13, p < .01) and satisfaction (β = .09 - .18, p < .05) were also discovered. The results suggest that teachers’ general and job-related wellbeing may be supported by professional development on how to control/lessen chaotic environments. In addition, a more positive environment can be established through collaborative relationships with coworkers. Team building can facilitate a stronger sense of community amongst teachers, which helps to improve overall job satisfaction. An environment that is conducive to learning with adequate resources will be less exhausting to teachers and will improve their wellbeing.Academic Major: Human Development and Family Scienc