In-service professional development to enhance interaction – staffs’ reflections, experiences and skills

This article analyses ECEC staffs’ perspectives on the in-service professional development (PD) process aimed at improving quality of interaction in ECEC, inspired by Caregiver Interaction Profile (CIP) scales. The study draws theories and research PD falls within a pragmatic paradigm, using qualitative individual interviews, thematic external observations. Main findings: staff found highly useful, their motivation increased during process, they experienced improved autonomy, self-confidence well-being became more conscious about different interactional aspects. Staff changes practice regarding three aspects CIP scales, sensitive responsiveness, respect for autonomy verbal communication. Staffs’ reflections are compared to growth skills. findings suggest that enhanced competence although significant change only was communication months after process. Implications practice, limitations further considered.