A pilot study of early childhood teachers’ views on teaching a structured physical education curriculum: challenges and recommendations

Background Early childhood physical education (ECPE) is crucial for children's development and lifelong learning. Children need developmentally appropriate, structured, and systematic opportunities in physical education (PE) to acquire fundamental physical skills, attitudes, values, and knowledge. The curriculum is the starting point for ensuring the educational success of all children. ECPE with a structured curriculum significantly influences children's development and future quality of life, as a high-quality ECPE curriculum brings them physical, cognitive, academic, and affective developmental benefits. Teachers determine the quality of education through curriculum implementation and effective learning. Teachers' attitudes and views are important factors for improving the quality of education. Much of the research has suggested requirements for early childhood teachers (ECTs) in implementing the curriculum. However, few studies have been conducted based on ECTs' views regarding the implementation of a structured ECPE curriculum. Therefore, it is necessary to learn more about ECTs' views on curriculum implementation.