Bridging educational gap for children coming from low socio-economic status during COVID-19 pandemic: teachers’ experiences

The purpose of this study is to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives on the bridging educational gap, for children coming from low socioeconomic status during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A qualitative methodology was utilized in the study. The data draws on phone interviews with 18 early childhood teachers working in public schools to understand the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children living in low-SES districts of Türkiye. Open coding data analysis revealed that children’s developmental areas are negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Distance education failed because of various parent-, child-, and curriculum-related factors. Children academic gains would not be maintained or supported due to school closure. Finally, home confinement triggered dramatic increase in children’s exposure to the screen.