Gesunde Entwicklung von Vorschulkindern unter Pandemiebedingungen aus Sicht von pädagogischen Fachkräften aus Kindertagesstätten (KiTas)

Due to daycare closures, the coronavirus pandemic made it difficult to provide professional support for age-appropriate development of preschool children. Social isolation, family stress and limited leisure activities and childcare can lead to developmental deficits in linguistic skills and social behavior among children and adolescents. The effects of daycare closures on the age-appropriate development of preschool children will be examined based on an exploratory analysis as seen from the perspective of preschool teachers.

The investigation of abnormalities in child development after the children’s return to daycare, as well as possible influencing factors, is based on semi-structured telephone interviews with preschool teachers (n = 16) between 11/2021 and 05/2022 in a district in Lower Saxony. The analysis was conducted using content-structuring qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. Qualitative group comparisons based on place of residence, daycare size, and care concept were carried out.

Preschool teachers described abnormalities in children’s socioemotional, linguistic, and motoric development. Intrafamily support, place of residence, and participation in emergency childcare were identified as influencing factors. Intrafamily support during closure periods, a rural residence, and participation in emergency childcare showed a positive influence on motor development. According to the professionals, participation in emergency childcare and intrafamily support in childcare at home also had a protective effect on socioemotional and linguistic development.

Preschool children’s development during the coronavirus pandemic varied depending on their access to childcare options and place of residence, according to preschool teachers. Age-appropriate support within families and childcare facilities, as well as safe access to spaces for physical activity are important components of healthy child development that should be given special consideration in future pandemics due to their relevance. Based on the results, access to low-threshold and nature-based spaces for physical activity should be regionally examined and encouraged in both urban and rural areas. The implementation and evaluation of smaller childcare groups in preschools are recommended.