Implementing and Assessing the Pyramid Model for Promoting Socio-Emotional Competence in Early Childhood Educators: An Action Research Project in Prince Edward Island

This innovative project aims to implement and evaluate the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children framework (PM) for promoting social-emotional competence in the early learning and childcare sector (ELCC) in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. The project engages 18 Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and 10 coaches across PEI over a two-year period. The initial year of the study has already secured funding. The present application seeks financial support exclusively for the final year. The implementation of this project is anticipated to lay the groundwork for a subsequent province-wide adoption of the PM framework. The partner organization, the PEI Early Childhood Development Association (ECDA), stands to gain significant benefits from this initiative. Firstly, the project will help ECDA with the implementation of a comprehensive, evidence-based professional development program for ECEs, addressing a critical gap in current practices. Moreover, the project will generate valuable data on the implementation fidelity and effectiveness of the PM framework within the PEI context. This information will be instrumental for ECDA in refining ECEs professional training programs and informing future policy decisions. Further, the participatory nature of the research will also foster a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based practice within the organization. Additionally, the project’s focus on stakeholder dynamics and governance issues will provide ECDA with insights into systemic factors affecting early childhood education in PEI. This knowledge can guide strategic planning and resource allocation, enhancing ECDA’s overall effectiveness in supporting the ELCC sector of PEI.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gabriela Arias de Sanchez

Student:

Partner:

Early Childhood Development Association of PEI

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Prince Edward Island

Program: