Abstract
The environment of long day care (LDC) acts as a cradle for the social development of infants, yet little is known about the pathway of infants’ social development in peer groups and the group processes that underpin this pathway.
This doctoral research describes infant sociality in peer groups and brings together key concepts of infant social development, dynamic systems theory, and educators’ perceptions in a mixed-methods design to identify the pathway of social development for infants in groups and the motivations that underlie their behaviour in groups.
Twenty infants (3 to 21-months) from two LDC centres were filmed as the third infant in a triad (defined as a third infant and an interacting infant-peer dyad) every 2- to 3-months across a 12-month period. A reliable observational coding system was developed to code video recordings of infant behaviours and interactions in peer groups. Four educators who knew the infants well were interviewed while viewing video extracts of infant triads. A data set of 564 coded observations was generated and analysed using quantitative methods, and 18 interviews were conducted and analysed using structural and thematic approaches.
Findings showed that third infants were watching, approaching and engaging their interacting peers across the first two years of life. Insights from educator interviews identified third infants’ motivations as: being curious and interested in their peers, working out the interactions between the dyad and seeking belonging and togetherness.
To conclude, infant-peer groups are dynamic linking systems consisting of specific moment-to-moment group processes that: (1) form the basis for longer term social developmental change in infants, and (2) serve to meet infants’ underlying desire for belonging in groups. This new way of seeing how infants socialise and develop socially in groups is crucial for educators to support infants to build considered and responsive relationships with their peers.
This doctoral research describes infant sociality in peer groups and brings together key concepts of infant social development, dynamic systems theory, and educators’ perceptions in a mixed-methods design to identify the pathway of social development for infants in groups and the motivations that underlie their behaviour in groups.
Twenty infants (3 to 21-months) from two LDC centres were filmed as the third infant in a triad (defined as a third infant and an interacting infant-peer dyad) every 2- to 3-months across a 12-month period. A reliable observational coding system was developed to code video recordings of infant behaviours and interactions in peer groups. Four educators who knew the infants well were interviewed while viewing video extracts of infant triads. A data set of 564 coded observations was generated and analysed using quantitative methods, and 18 interviews were conducted and analysed using structural and thematic approaches.
Findings showed that third infants were watching, approaching and engaging their interacting peers across the first two years of life. Insights from educator interviews identified third infants’ motivations as: being curious and interested in their peers, working out the interactions between the dyad and seeking belonging and togetherness.
To conclude, infant-peer groups are dynamic linking systems consisting of specific moment-to-moment group processes that: (1) form the basis for longer term social developmental change in infants, and (2) serve to meet infants’ underlying desire for belonging in groups. This new way of seeing how infants socialise and develop socially in groups is crucial for educators to support infants to build considered and responsive relationships with their peers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
| Event | Early Childhood Australia National Conference 2023 - Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 04 Oct 2023 → 07 Oct 2023 https://www.ecaconference.com.au/2023/ https://www.ecaconference.com.au/2023/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/2023-ECA-National-Conference-Program-at-a-glance.pdf (Program) |
Conference
| Conference | Early Childhood Australia National Conference 2023 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Kumarninthi—Becoming one: Old ways, new wisdom |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 04/10/23 → 07/10/23 |
| Other | The Early Childhood Australia (ECA) National Conference is one of the most eagerly anticipated events among those who work with young children. Early childhood educators, teachers, service leaders and executives, as well as policy-makers, program administrators, academics, researchers and allied professionals from across Australia—and from even farther afield—come here to be inspired through shared ideas and experiences in an environment of collegiality and collaboration. Delegates are able to critically and constructively review their thoughts and actions, and also celebrate among peers the achievements attained and advancements made in improving outcomes for children, their families and those who work with them every day. The 2023 ECA National Conference and associated events provide an opportunity to renew acquaintances and build relationships with others in the sector. I look forward to warmly welcoming delegates to the 35th ECA National Conference, Kumarninthi—Becoming one: Old ways, new wisdom in Adelaide next October! |
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