Author(s): SOLLERHED, A.C., Institution: KRISTIANSTAD UNIVERSITY, Country: SWEDEN, Abstract-ID: 2297

Introduction
Many parents worry that children will injure themselves in physical activity, which leads them to banning physically active play to a high degree. Educators in early childhood education and care (ECEC) also seem to worry about children getting hurt in physically active play, which can lead to restrictions on childrens ability to move in ECEC. The diminution of opportunities for physical activity contributes to several risks for ill health, for example being overweight and developing other health problems as well as affecting the development.
Aim
The aim of the study was to investigate ECEC educators’ experiences, and perceptions of risks in children’s physical activities and the ways these perceptions influenced the educators’ decisions to offer opportunities for physical activities and movement in ECEC.
Methods
Semi structured interviews were carried out with 18 ECEC educators, 17 females and one male, working in five preschools in Sweden. The educators were either preschool teachers or day-care-assistants with 5-38 years in service in ECEC. The length and depth of the interviews varied, but they generally lasted between 30 and 90 minutes. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim before analysis. The transcripts were analyzed by a combination of thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis.
Results
The analysis revealed three themes with adherent sub-themes.
1. Responsibility for the children included the sub-themes Caretaking and Empathy.
2. Fear of being accused included the sub-themes Fear of being hung out in media and Fear of being seen as unaccountable in the work team.
3. Low competence in movement included the sub-themes Low expectations on children’s movement skills and Low personal movement skills.
Discussion
The educators described that they felt a great responsibility for the childrens safety towards the parents. If the children got hurt, they sometimes felt personal pain and anguish because they found it distressing when children hurt themselves. But they also feared being accused of not taking good care of the children. The fear of being exposed in the media was palpable, as was the fear of their colleagues opinions about what activities children could be allowed to do. Overall, their competence in leading physical activities with the children was perceived as low, resulting in limitations on the range of movement and what the children were allowed to do. Their own motor skills were limited, and many movements were considered too difficult to perform, both for themselves and for the children.
Conclusion
ECEC educators’ concern about injuries and overprotective behavior risks hindering children from physical activity and movement, which in the long run can pose a a great risk to children’s health and wellbeing, which should be taken under consideration. Finding a balance between safety and allowing children to explore and learn risk-management is essential for overall well-being.