ECEC perspective needed for important prematurity research

The perspective of early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals is being urgently sought by researcher Dr Leona Pascoe, who is trying to learn more about how children who are born before 37 weeks fare as they move off to school. 

The physical and mental health challenges faced by children born prematurely are widely researched, however how these challenges impact on children’s experience of education is less well studied. 

Given that educators are experts in the needs of children and their perceptions are crucial, PremmieEd researcher Dr Pascoe is keen to connect.

“There is growing evidence to suggest these children are at greater risk of having trouble at school,” she said.

Early childhood, primary and secondary school teachers across Australia have been invited to complete a short, online survey about the learning needs and development of children born preterm.

The research is part of a project to better understand preterm-born education from the Centre of Research Excellence in Newborn Medicine at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, in partnership with Monash University’s Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health.

Dr Pascoe believes the research has great potential to support educators in their work and foster good learning outcomes for affected children.

The survey takes around 15 minutes and covers topics like basic demographic information, teaching background and experience, training and information needs and existing knowledge about preterm birth. 

The survey may be accessed here.