AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the Early Childhood Socio-Emotional Behavior Regulation Intervention Specialist (EC-SEBRIS) Certificate Program in promoting sensitive and confident early childhood educators for children ages zero to five. This study also aims to fill a gap in research examining demographic factors as predictors of sensitivity towards children in the classroom. The EC-SEBRIS Certificate Program at San Diego State is a one-year professional development program that enhances student knowledge on appropriate practices for providing interventions to children with challenging behaviors. Students in EC-SEBRIS Certificate Program participate in 18 graduate level courses, practicum placements, on-site coaching, and reflective practice. In order to examine the effectiveness of this program, the following questions will be researched: (1) Does caregiving sensitivity increase with participation in the EC-SEBRIS program? (2) Does a caregiver's ability to address the challenging behaviors of children in their classroom increase with participation in the EC-SEBRIS program? (3) Do the demographic characteristics of an EC-SEBRIS student predict caregiving sensitivity towards children in their practicum placement? These questions were answered through the use of participant observations, surveys, and self-submitted admissions forms. Observations of participant caregiving skills occurred (pre) at the beginning of the semester and (post) at the end of the semester at practicum placements using the Arnett Caregiving Interaction Scale (CIS). Participants evaluated their confidence in addressing challenging behaviors of children using a student survey, which was completed (pre) before beginning the EC-SEBRIS Certificate Program and (post) upon completion of the program. Lastly, Demographic information of participants was collected through forms submitted to San Diego State upon application to the EC-SEBRIS Certificate Program. Examination of demographic factors as predictors of caregiving skills was analyzed using information from application forms and (pre) initial CIS scores of participants in their practicum placements. Results of this study indicated that participants significantly increased in their sensitivity towards children in their classrooms after participation in the EC-SEBRIS Certification Program. Self-efficacy of students in addressing challenging behaviors was significantly increased. No demographic factors were found to be predictors of sensitivity towards children.