Does a training course on early childhood communication have an impact on the knowledge of early childhood education professionals?

Abstract

Purpose To analyze whether a training course on communication development in early childhood has a positive impact on the knowledge of early childhood education professionals and to verify the participants' perception of the course. Methods A longitudinal study conducted in a virtual environment between September 2021 and December 2022. A total of 91 early childhood education professionals took part and completed a training course. The course consisted of three modules on communication development in early childhood, offered through the Google Classroom platform, with a total workload of 50 hours spread over four months. Participants answered a questionnaire made up of 20 items related to the topics covered before starting the course, immediately after completing it and six months after finishing. For each question answered correctly, 1 point was awarded. The data was analyzed using a descriptive and inferential approach, and the total number of correct answers at the three moments was compared using Friedman's ANOVA, with a significance level of 5%. Results Both the analysis of the correct answers to each item in the questionnaire and the overall score showed a gradual increase between the three moments. The participants' perception of the course was highly satisfied. Conclusion The participants showed an increase in the number of correct answers to the questionnaire before and after the training course, which suggests greater knowledge about the development of communication in early childhood both immediately after the course and after six months.