This report presents information from surveys and focus groups with Arkansas childcare providers examining how the pandemic has shaped their practices and children’s experiences in early care and education programs. Key findings include:
- Generally high compliance with Covid-19 related safety restrictions
- An increase in teacher practices that limit child choice
- A relationship between teacher practices that limit child choice and some concerning learning and social behaviors (e.g., lower attention, less cooperative play)
- Frequent use of exclusionary practices with children who have behavior difficulties
We conclude the report with some ideas for supporting the state’s ECE programs in light of these and other findings.