Parent and teacher perceptions of communication and language development of toddlers

Abstract

Early childhood development is a crucial factor in determining the later successes in a toddler’s life. The active involvement of parents and teachers provide toddlers with the support and confidence to use language effectively early in their lives, which strengthens future development and communicative skills. In reality, parents and teachers often neglect opportunities to provide the support that toddlers rely on for their cognitive growth. Toddlers exposed to risk conditions – such as a lack of adult knowledge, education and stimulation – are likely to experience a language delay. Other influential factors include the levels of adults' education and families' socio-economic statuses. Six cases (toddlers) comprised the study's focal centre and were observed in their learning environments by the researcher. The parents and teachers of these toddlers captured photographs and agreed to be interviewed to share their perceptions of toddlers' developmental prowess. Thematic analysis of the obtained data enabled the formulation of themes and subthemes that were instrumental to the research questions and subsequent findings. Conclusions were based on similarities and differences with existing literature and data. The study participants – six parents of the toddlers (study cases) and three teachers at ECD centres – were aware that they are the toddlers' primary guides of communication and language development, and that they need to continually support and stimulate their toddlers to ensure progress. Although some participants' teaching styles and views differed from others, each displayed abilities to nurture their children's innate yearning to learn about languages and communication. The study finds that toddlers benefit most when they are in the company of responsive adults who encourage them to learn new words and sentences in a variety of stimulating and joyful ways. It is vital too that parents and teachers have access to information that relates to effective ways of supporting children in their quest to become capable communicators.