Early Childhood Development and Family Adaptation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted daily life globally.
• Understanding child development during unprecedented circumstances is crucial.
• Early childhood is a critical period for development, susceptible to environmental influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the developmental levels of children aged 1-3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021).
• To explore the relationship between children's development and their families' adaptation experiences.
• To provide insights into child development in Latin American contexts during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data.
• Quantitative phase: 183 children aged 1-3 years assessed for developmental levels.
• Qualitative phase: In-depth interviews with 18 families regarding their adaptation experiences.

Main Results:

• Quantitative analysis indicated overall developmental delays in children, with notable deficits in fine motor skills.
• Qualitative findings revealed parents' coping strategies amidst pandemic-related challenges.
• Sequential integration showed parental focus on basic needs, but limited time, knowledge, and support hindered early learning environments.

Conclusions:

• Children aged 1-3 during the pandemic faced developmental risks, particularly in fine motor skills.
• Parental challenges significantly impacted the provision of enriching early learning environments.
• This study highlights the need for targeted support for families in under-resourced contexts during crises.