Understanding Early Childhood Educator Practices

ABSTRACT The level of awareness regarding sensory concepts was explored in a convenience sample of 25 early childhood educators in an urban environment. This survey design measured early childhood educators self-report of sensory activities offered within their classrooms and independently scored by two occupational therapists practicing in pediatrics. Educators demonstrated sufficient basic understanding of sensory activities and how to structure and offer activities within early childhood classrooms. However, educators did not demonstrate a clear understanding of how to appropriately approach avoidance or disruptive behaviors during sensory activities. This finding into educators’ lack of awareness of how best to approach atypical behavior during sensory play highlights the opportunity for further collaborative opportunities between educator and therapist at both the individual and classroom level.