Functional Teamwork as the Foundation of Positive Outcomes in Early Childhood Education

摘要: This research investigated how early childhood education (ECE) teachers perceive teamwork and its significance. The following research questions were set:(1) How do the Finnish ECE teachers evaluate the quality of the teamwork at their workplaces? and (2) How do the Finnish ECE teachers describe the meaning and outcomes of the teamwork? This mixed-methods research consisted of a survey among 625 ECE teachers and of a phenomenographic part in which 21 ECE teachers were interviewed. It was found that various factors influenced the teamwork at the Finnish ECE teachers’ workplaces, such as the support received from the head teacher, the atmosphere within each team, and the rate of teacher turnover. On the basis of the study’s findings, a three-dimensional model of functional teamwork in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings is introduced. The model consists of core premises, core elements, and core outcomes of functional teamwork. It helps develop teamwork and a positive pedagogy in ECEC centers, helps ECEC team members flourish at work, and highlights the possible positive impact of functional teamwork in ECEC settings on children’s learning and well-being.