SALISBURY — The Positive Early Childhood Education program was recently launched worldwide after a successful research period involving several countries. Two staff members at Partners in Learning were accredited and one more will be by the end of this summer, making the center the first in the East Coast region to achieve accreditation.

Partners in Learning is only the second group in the United States to achieve this status.

Although early education and intervention has been established as the foundation for lifelong academic and social success, those employed in the sector often report feeling undervalued, sometimes undereducated, and frequently stressed and overwhelmed.

“We are so excited to have another tool to use to coach early childhood teachers at Partners in Learning and in the community. Teachers have told us that they have seen the difference in many of the families that have received Triple P for Parents in their home,” said Norma Honeycutt, executive director. “Teachers look forward to learning and using some of the same strategies. The curriculum includes the use of technology, observations and weekly coaching sessions. I can’t wait to get started.” 

Now that Triple P Parenting classes have shown success in developing strategies that work to create more successful home lives for families, early childhood professionals find themselves asking how Triple P strategies and principles can be tailored to fit the classroom environment. Positive Early Childhood Education was developed to meet those needs and requests.

Triple P’s Professor Matt Sanders and a team of University of Queensland colleagues, Associate Professor Karen Turner, Cassandra Dittman, and U.S.-based researcher Julie Rusby, created the program. Canadian early childhood education researcher Shawna Lee spent six years conducting evaluation trials, which continue to report positive outcomes, though some are ongoing.

As a result of using Positive Early Childhood Education in the classroom, early childhood educators are finding less disruptive behaviors in the classroom, less stress and anxiety, and a more supportive working environment, as well as significantly less disruptive behavior from the children, the adults felt less stressed at work, communicated better with each other, and reported increased work satisfaction.

Subsequent trials have indicated similar outcomes. Most educators say they feel more prepared and supported to meet children’s needs.

“What an awesome opportunity for our early educators. Triple P is transforming the lives of families,” said Tonya Correll, family support specialist and Triple P director. “It is a natural fit in the classroom setting to empower teachers to shape and mold our next generations in a positive and impactful way.” 

Positive Early Childhood Education is a parallel program to Triple P, with 22 core strategies, many of which overlap with other Triple P Positive Parenting Program interventions. There’s also an extra key principle: working as a team (with co-workers and parents). Some strategies from Stepping Stones Triple P are included in the program, since many classrooms include children with disabilities or developmental delays. 

In some places, Positive Early Childhood Education is being considered to become part of the college curriculum for early childhood educators or an approved professional development learning unit for those already working in the sector.

“I am so thrilled to be able to offer (this) program to educators in Rowan County,” said Emilie Scharf, director of Partners in Learning at Novant, Triple P for Educators provider. “This training is proven to increase positive educator-child interactions while promoting children’s early learning and independence skills. It’s exciting to be able to impact our community of educators in such a positive way.” 

Partners in Learning serves as the Model Inclusive Center providing care to children ages 6 weeks through 5 years in Rowan County. The center cares for more than 200 children.

It is the only program in Rowan County accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The organization serves children on-site and throughout the community, as well as in children’s homes.

For more information about the center, visit epartnersinlearning.org.