Documentation Panels' influence on Parents' and [Teacher] Assistants' perceptions about toddler art experience.

Abstract

This research proposal seeks to answer the following question: “Does the use of documentation panels on children’s visual art experiences affect parents’ and assistant teachers’ perceptions of what toddlers (children 18 months to 3 years) are learning in daycare centers?” The literature review includes a discussion on appropriate art experiences for toddlers, parental perceptions of daycare centers, and modes of communication between teachers and families. Documentation panels and their benefits for teachers and families are also discussed. The researcher asked parents and assistant teachers to fill out a Likert scale survey at the beginning and at the end of the study. Participants were asked to view one new documentation panel every week for four weeks. At the end of the study, the results of the surveys were calculated. It was found that documentation panels did have an effect on parent and assistant teacher perceptions of what toddlers are learning in daycare centers.