Preschool Teachers’ Perception of Their Competence and Implementation of Recommended Practices

The current study examined preschool teachers’ perceptions of implementation and competence of DEC’s child-focused recommended practices(DECRP) in their classrooms. The information was gathered through surveys of 147 teachers from pre-kindergarten programs. Overall, most respondents felt competent implementing the child-focused practices and they believed that they frequently implemented the DECRP child-focused practices in their classrooms. A discussion of the limitations of the present study and directions for future research are suggested. Implications for practice, teacher preparation programs, and practitioners also are discussed.