AUTHOR=Pinya-Medina Carme , Morcillo-Loro Virginia , Ferrer-Ribot María , Oliver Barceló María del Mar 

TITLE=What competencies should early childhood educators possess for the future? An expert judgement approach

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1422950

DOI=10.3389/feduc.2024.1422950

ISSN=2504-284X

ABSTRACT=The aim of this research was to define and discuss the professional competencies necessary for early childhood teachers to face the challenges posed by our current context and to anticipate those that may arise in the future. To achieve this, a proposal of general teaching competencies was subjected to validation by experts, including teachers and academic personnel specialized in this field, with the objective of adapting and validating them specifically for the early childhood education stage. Consultation with experts confirmed the suitability of the proposed dimensions, while also highlighting some nuances to be considered within this age group. The importance of building relationships, emotional support, nonverbal communication, and family involvement were among the key aspects emphasized by the experts, underscoring the importance of observation and educational documentation during this critical age. Reflection on the specific professional competencies needed is essential for improving initial and continuous training plans for Early Childhood Teachers. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the competencies that educators should possess, pointing out the need to develop teaching practices that meet the unique demands of Early Childhood Education.