Early Years

Scope & Guideline

Cultivating Growth in Early Years Education

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of Early Years through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore Early Years in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0957-5146
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1980 to 2024
AbbreviationEARLY YEARS-ABINGDON / Early Years
Frequency5 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 Years' is dedicated to advancing the field of early childhood education and care (ECEC) through rigorous research and practical insights. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of early childhood pedagogy, the role of educators, and the socio-cultural contexts in which young children develop. The journal aims to provide a platform for innovative practices, theoretical frameworks, and critical analyses that inform policy and practice in ECEC.
  1. Early Childhood Pedagogy:
    Exploring diverse pedagogical approaches and their effectiveness in fostering children's learning and development. This includes play-based learning, inquiry-based strategies, and the integration of digital tools.
  2. Professional Development and Leadership:
    Focusing on the professional growth of early childhood educators, including leadership styles, emotional labor, and collaborative practices within educational communities.
  3. Inclusive Education:
    Investigating practices that promote inclusion for children with diverse needs, including those with disabilities, and how educators can effectively engage families in this process.
  4. Cultural and Contextual Influences:
    Examining the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors on early childhood education practices, and how these elements shape children's experiences and educators' approaches.
  5. Policy and Advocacy:
    Analyzing early childhood education policies at national and international levels, with a focus on how these frameworks affect practice and the well-being of children and families.
  6. Child Development and Well-being:
    Researching aspects of child development, including emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth, and how these domains intersect with educational practices.
The journal 'Early Years' has identified several trending and emerging themes that reflect the current landscape of early childhood education. These themes indicate a shift towards more inclusive, responsive, and holistic approaches to early education.
  1. Digital Literacy and Technology Integration:
    An increasing number of studies are exploring how digital tools can be integrated into early childhood education in meaningful ways, enhancing children's learning experiences and engagement.
  2. Mental Health and Well-being:
    There is a growing focus on the mental health and well-being of both educators and children, particularly in light of recent global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Research is addressing how to support emotional resilience and mental health in early education settings.
  3. Family Engagement and Partnerships:
    Emerging themes highlight the importance of strong partnerships between families and educators, recognizing families as integral to the educational process and children's development.
  4. Critical Pedagogy and Social Justice:
    An increasing trend towards examining issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in early childhood education, with a focus on social justice and the implications for practice.
  5. Play as a Context for Learning:
    Research is increasingly framing play not just as a method of learning but as a vital context that influences children's cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Declining or Waning

While 'Early Years' continues to evolve and adapt to emerging trends, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This may reflect changing priorities within the field or a shift in focus towards more pressing contemporary issues.
  1. Traditional Assessment Methods:
    There has been a noticeable decline in the emphasis on conventional assessment practices in early childhood settings. Instead, there is a growing preference for holistic and formative assessment methods that better capture children's learning processes.
  2. Standardized Curriculum Models:
    The journal has seen a reduced focus on rigid, standardized curriculum frameworks in favor of more flexible, child-centered approaches that allow for individualization and responsiveness to children's needs.
  3. Behaviorist Approaches to Learning:
    Research aligning with behaviorist theories, which focus on direct reinforcement and rote learning, appears to be waning. The journal now favors constructivist and socio-cultural theories that emphasize active learning and social interaction.
  4. Isolation of Educators' Roles:
    There is less emphasis on the isolated role of the educator as a singular authority. Instead, the discourse has shifted towards collaborative practices that involve families and communities in the educational process.
  5. Emphasis on Traditional Play Types:
    While play remains a critical focus, there is a decline in research centered solely on traditional forms of play. The exploration of diverse, modern play experiences and their implications for learning has taken precedence.

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