Associations between the well-being of the early childhood education workforce and caregiver-child relationships in centre- and home-based settings

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to (1) explore demands and resources among centre-based and Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) early childhood education (ECE) caregivers, and (2) investigate how these factors are associated with the quality of caregiver-child relationships. ECE caregivers (n = 257) completed a survey that assessed demands, resources, and the quality of caregiver-child relationships. Analyses included univariate and bivariate analyses and hierarchical linear regression modelling. Centre-based caregivers (n = 173) reported higher stress, less knowledge related to wellness, and lower confidence related to self-care practices compared to FFN caregivers (n = 84) (all p < .05). Mindfulness was associated with higher reported closeness with children in their care (p < .05). Centre-based caregivers may experience more demands and less resources compared to FFN caregivers which could impact the quality of care. Mindfulness strategies may help to mitigate demands and bolster the well-being of ECE caregivers and healthy early childhood development.KEYWORDS: Early childhood developmentmindfulnessmental health promotion Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Data availability statementData is available from the authors upon request.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, The Colorado Springs Health Foundation, and the Colorado Health Foundation (no grant numbers).Notes on contributorsCharlotte V. FarewellDr. Charlotte V. Farewell is an assistant professor with the Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center and Director of the Population Mental Health and Well-being concentration at the Colorado School of Public Health. She implements interventions rooted in community-based participatory research as well as research and evaluation projects that utilize a unique combination of mixed methods in national and international settings. Dr. Farewell leads intervention projects which focus on promoting the well-being of low-resourced population (e.g. pregnant and postpartum individuals, early care and education caregivers).Lisa D. GonzalesLisa D. Gonzales is a senior health promotion coordinator with the Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center. She is responsible for implementing early childhood interventions and participates in partnership meetings to continue fostering academic-community partnerships.Alicia PrivettAlicia Privett is a Master of Public Health who supports this early childhood work by conducting interviews, analyzing data and engaging in oral and written dissemination opportunities.Emily MaiurroEmily Maiurro is a senior professional research assistant and research manager of early childhood work at the Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center. She oversees the implementation of all programmatic components and supports data collection and reporting activities.Jini E. PumaJini E. Puma is the associate director of the Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center and the principal investigator for the RMPRC School Wellness Program (SWP) and the Text2LiveHealthy (T2LH) program. She is the Co-PI on the following three research studies focused on early childhood educators: Fostering Resilience in Early Education (FREE), Linking Systems To Address ACEs Early On (STANCE) and Workforce in Low-resource Locations (WELL).