Meeting People Where They Are: Recognizing Early Educators’ Readiness to Change

Abstract

When it comes to changing one's behavior, what makes a person ready to change? In this study, mentors participated in interviews and focus groups about early childhood educators’ readiness to change their practices with children. One third of the educators were rated by their mentors as “not ready to change” as measured by the Stage of Change Scale 1.0. The interviews and focus groups identified common features of educators who were not ready to change as well as mentors’ strategies and challenges in working with these educators. The article concludes with recommendations for professional development programs as well as a description of the types of skills and practices that may be effective for facilitators.

Keywords:

• childcare/daycare
• program operations