Early Child Development and Care

Scope & Guideline

Cultivating interdisciplinary dialogue in early childhood studies.

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Early Child Development and Care with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0300-4430
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1971 to 1974, 1976, from 1978 to 2024
AbbreviationEARLY CHILD DEV CARE / Early Child Dev. Care
Frequency16 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Early Child Development and Care' aims to advance knowledge concerning the development and care of young children through empirical research and theoretical discussions. It covers a wide range of topics related to early childhood education, development, and parenting practices, with a focus on diverse cultural contexts and contemporary issues affecting children's growth.
  1. Early Childhood Development:
    Research focusing on the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of children from birth to age six, examining the factors that influence developmental trajectories.
  2. Parenting Practices and Family Dynamics:
    Investigating the role of various parenting styles, family structures, and socio-economic factors in shaping children's behavior, emotional well-being, and academic readiness.
  3. Educational Interventions and Approaches:
    Exploring the effectiveness of different educational methodologies, curricula, and interventions, particularly in early childhood settings, to enhance learning outcomes.
  4. Cultural and Socioeconomic Contexts:
    Analyzing how cultural beliefs, practices, and socio-economic status affect early childhood development and education, with a global perspective on diverse family and educational practices.
  5. Social-Emotional Competence:
    Researching the development of social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience in young children, including interactions with peers and adults.
  6. Impact of Technology and Media:
    Examining the implications of screen time, digital media use, and technology on young children's development, learning processes, and family dynamics.
  7. Health and Well-being:
    Addressing health-related issues in early childhood, including mental health, nutrition, and the effects of environmental factors on child development.
The journal has witnessed a notable shift towards exploring emerging themes that reflect current societal trends and challenges in early childhood development. These themes indicate where future research may be headed, addressing contemporary issues and innovations in the field.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Early Childhood:
    A significant increase in studies examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's development, learning, and family dynamics, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability.
  2. Digital Literacy and Technology Integration:
    Growing interest in how digital media and technology can be effectively integrated into early childhood education, including the role of screen time and educational apps in learning.
  3. Mental Health and Well-Being:
    Increased focus on mental health issues among young children and their families, exploring interventions aimed at improving emotional regulation and resilience.
  4. Culturally Responsive Pedagogy:
    Emerging research emphasizing the need for culturally responsive practices in early childhood education to support diverse learners and promote inclusivity.
  5. Parental Involvement and Engagement:
    Research exploring innovative ways to foster parental engagement in children's education and development, recognizing its critical role in enhancing learning outcomes.
  6. Social Justice and Equity in Early Childhood:
    A rising trend towards addressing issues of social justice, equity, and inclusion in early childhood settings, focusing on marginalized groups and the impact of systemic inequalities.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently addressed numerous important themes, certain areas have seen a decline in focus over recent years. These waning themes suggest a shift in research priorities or emerging interests within the field of early childhood development.
  1. Traditional Theoretical Frameworks:
    Research grounded solely in classical theories of child development (e.g., Piaget, Vygotsky) has been overshadowed by contemporary studies that integrate multiple perspectives and methodologies.
  2. Focus on Individual Development:
    There is a noticeable reduction in studies emphasizing individual child development in isolation from environmental and familial contexts, as newer research increasingly considers the ecological model.
  3. Static Assessments of Child Development:
    Research that relies on static measures of child development (e.g., developmental milestones) without considering dynamic interactions with caregivers and peers is becoming less common.
  4. Conventional Parenting Styles:
    The exploration of traditional parenting styles without contextual or cultural adaptations has waned, as the field moves toward more nuanced understandings of parenting influenced by socio-cultural dynamics.
  5. Homogeneous Population Studies:
    Research focusing on homogeneous populations is declining in favor of studies that highlight diversity and intersectionality among families and children.

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