Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education Number 1 Volume 1 2026

Well-Being–Based Early Childhood Education for Trauma Recovery: A Phenomenological Study of Parental Perceptions

Ferawati Ferawati (Master’s Program in Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Universitas Panca Sakti Bekasi, Bekasi, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Jan 2026

Abstract

Student well-being and social–emotional learning (SEL) have become central issues in contemporary education, particularly in post-crisis contexts that affect children’s mental health. Early childhood education (ECE) plays a critical role in supporting children’s emotional well-being from an early age. This study aims to explore parents’ perceptions of well-being–based early childhood education in the context of post-crisis trauma recovery. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed. Ten parents of kindergarten children living in disaster-affected areas in Aceh were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed four themes: ECE as a foundation for children’s emotional well-being, a shift from academic orientation to mental health, teachers as facilitators of social–emotional learning, and education as a space for family psychosocial recovery. The study shows that parents prioritize children’s emotional safety and well-being over early academic achievement. These findings highlight the importance of implementing well-being–based and trauma-sensitive approaches in early childhood education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

QR-ECE

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

QR-ECE (Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education) is a scholarly journal dedicated to publishing high-quality qualitative research in the field of early childhood education. The journal serves as an academic platform for exploring meanings, experiences, and practices in early childhood ...