Early Childhood Classroom Environment Assessment Scale (ECCEAS): A Validity and Reliability Study

Abstract

The study aim was to develop the Early Childhood Classroom Environment Assessment Scale (ECCEAS) to measure the quality of preschool classroom environments as well as the scale validity and reliability. This study was conducted using survey research design and the study sample consisted of 312 preschool teachers determined by maximum diversity sampling. First, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and then Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed. Cronbach alpha internal consistency reliability was calculated for reliability analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the scale consisted of 38 items and 5 factors and the factors explained for a total common variance of 52.13%. As a result of the analyzes, when the goodness of fit index values of the scale (RMSEA=.076, S-RMR=.025, GFI=.67, AGFI=.63, NFI=.79, NNFI=.89, CFI=.90, IFI=.90), It is seen that GFI, AGFI, NFI values corresponded to poor fit, whereas the NNFI, CFI, and IFI corresponded to good fit. The Cronbach alpha were.86, .84, .74, .66, and .84, respectively. Thus, a valid and reliable scale was obtained.