Teacher Recognized Toddler-teacher Relationships Compared with Observed Toddler-teacher and Toddler-peer Interactions in Play

This study examined how infant-teacher relationships perceived by teachers related to observed toddler-teacher and toddler-peer interactions in play. Participants were 57 2-year-old toddlers and their 8 teachers. Toddler-teacher perceived relationships were examined by questionnaire toddler-teacher and toddler-toddler interactions were observed and recorded during play. Data were analyzed by correlation. Results were : (1) the perceived relationships of toddlers to multiple teachers in the classroom were very similar. (2) The pattern of interactions between toddlers and teachers was similar to that of interactions between toddlers and peers. (3) The more positive the toddler-teacher perceived relationship, the more positive the observed interactions between the children and teachers and between children and their peers.