Effects of Lockdown (COVID-19) on Early Childhood Education

COVID-19 has impacted many people around the world since it first appeared in Wuhan, China. In many countries, educational institutions, social spaces, workplaces, parks, and restaurants closed down, and lockdowns were imposed on people. The current study tried to determine how the preschool education process takes place with respect to children, parents, and teachers during the lockdown (COVID-19 pandemic) and the possible effects of the pandemic period on families, children, and teachers. The case study was used in the current study. Participants of this study consist of a total of 18 people: six (6) volunteer teachers working in Superbaba Schools, six (6) children in different age groups, and the parents of the children (6). The researchers developed three semi-structured interview forms Teacher Interview Form, Parent Interview Form, and Child Interview Form which were utilized during the data-gathering process. Data was gathered during the fall semester of 2020. The findings revealed the impact of preschool education during the COVID-19 lockdown on children, parents, and teachers. Key themes that emerged included personal development, distance education, job satisfaction, parental involvement, screen addiction, and school adjustment. The results also showed that children's screen time was increased during the lockdown. The parents may need to involve early childhood education on how to handle their children's learning and development at home.