Pedagogical coaches in childcare
Since 2021, the sixth Flemish intersectoral agreement (VIA6) provides funds for the structural embedding of a new profile in childcare: the pedagogical coach. The pedagogical coach, who holds a bachelor's degree, is tasked with strengthening the quality of childcare via support for child supervisors on the shop floor. Because the profile of the pedagogical coach is relatively new, little is yet known about how pedagogical coaching is organised in practice, and what challenges coaches experience in their assignment. This research aims to change this, through a mixed-methods approach that combines semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a survey.
Rsearch on the functioning of pedagogical coaches
Since the role of the pedagogical coach is relatively new, little is known about how pedagogical coaching is organized in practice and what challenges the coaches encounter. We mapped this out through two sub-studies. In the first sub-study, we focused on childcare providers with their own team of pedagogical coaches, as well as teams of pedagogical coaches from the support network Mentes. In total, 76 pedagogical coaches and 12 supervisors participated in this sub-study. The results can be found in the report below (Dutch).
Development of a reflection guide for pedagogical coaches
Following our research into the functioning of pedagogical coaches, we continued to work on the challenges that emerged from this research. Based on these challenges, we developed the top coach toolkit, a reflection guide for pedagogical coaches and their managers, which we tested with stakeholders from the field. Just like the research report, you can find the toolkit under ‘research achievements and publications’.
Research realisations and publications
Research report toPCoach
In this exploratory study, we focused on preschool childcare organizations with their own pedagogical coaches and teams from the Mentes support network. 76 pedagogical coaches and 12 managers participated in this study.
The pedagogical coaches How do they do it?
The pedagogical coaches have been working in childcare for two years. Who are they, what do they do, what strengths and bottlenecks do they experience? We investigated the functioning and impact of the coaches and formulated recommendations.
Training: Coaching on the work floor in childcare
Give employees in childcare a solid boost by providing targeted and trajectory coaching, even during busy times.
Research realisations and publications
Topcoach Toolkit
The Topcoach Toolkit offers practical guidelines and tools to support pedagogical coaches in their guidance and development of educational professionals.
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