Extension's Capacity to Deliver Quality Early Childhood Professional Development

Authors

Tonia Durden, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Claudia C. Mincemoyer, The Pennsylvania State UniversityFollow
Jennifer Gerdes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ExtensionFollow
Kathleen Lodl, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ExtensionFollow

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Journal of Extension 51(5), 1–15

Comments

Copyright 2013 Extension Journal, Inc. Used by permission.

Abstract

In recent years much attention has focused on the role of enhancing a teacher's professional knowledge and skills in helping to improve the quality of early care experiences for young children birth–5. In the study reported here, an environmental scan of the early childhood professional development programs offered within the Extension system was conducted to identify the programs' content, delivery, scope, evaluation, and partners. Results indicate that Extension has been a player in providing professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals and with a focused effort in streamlining the current resources has the capacity to become a leader in this field.