Citation

Zinsser KM, Christensen CG, Torres L. J. Sch. Psychol. 2016; 59: 55-66.

Affiliation

University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Society for the Study of School Psychology, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsp.2016.09.001

PMID

27923441

Abstract

Preschool teachers across the country have been charged to prepare children socially and emotionally for kindergarten. Teachers working in preschool centers are supporting children's social and emotional learning (SEL) within a rich ecology of emotion and social relationships and the present study considers how the supports implemented for children's SEL at the center-level are associated with teachers' psychological health and workplace experiences. Hierarchical linear models were constructed using data from the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey 2009 cohort.

RESULTS indicate that although teachers work in individual classrooms, they share common perceptions at the center-level of their workplace climate, access to support, and, although to a lesser extent, experience commonalities in psychological health and job satisfaction. Furthermore, in centers that had implemented more supports for children's SEL (including access to mental health consultants, classroom curriculum, and training and resources for teachers) teachers were less depressed, more satisfied with their jobs, felt more supported in managing challenging behavior, and viewed the workplace climate of their center as more positive.

FINDINGS are discussed in light of the national efforts to increase and retain a high-quality early childhood workforce.

Copyright © 2016 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en