Parental Perspectives on Mixed-Age Education in Early Childhood

The family plays a crucial role in the development of individuals, particularly in the acquisition of emotional and social skills during early childhood. Mixed-age education is a model that brings together children of different age groups in the same environment, allowing them to learn from one another in a supportive and collaborative setting. This research aims to examine parents' perceptions and awareness of mixed-age education. In this phenomenological study, a qualitative research method, demographic information forms and semi-structured interview guides were used as data collection tools. Ten parents whose children had received mixed-age education for at least one year participated in the study. The research findings identified three key categories of parental perceptions: First, mixed-age education was described as an environment where children support one another through learning and interaction. Secondly, the positive aspects of this model included the development of responsibility, prosocial behaviors, peer learning, and social skill development. Thirdly, disadvantages such as the risk of physical harm, competition, and communication challenges were mentioned. In conclusion, while parents generally viewed mixed-age education as a positive model, they emphasized the importance of a safe environment, open communication, and individualized support. The research suggests that this model should be further developed with consideration of parents' perspectives.