MoMEC
Mentoring Men in Early Childhood
Calling all men working in early childhood education and care settings in Ireland.
Have your say on your experiences so that we can better understand your needs. Survey should take no more than 10 minutes.
Fill out the survey here: Mentoring Men in Early Childhood (MoMEC) Ireland – Fill out form
*Please read the information sheet preceding the survey before continuing
MoMEC: Mentoring Men in Early Childhood
Participant Information Sheet
What is the research about?
The early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce in Ireland is over 98% female. Many studies have been conducted into the reasons for this phenomenon. One finding is the importance of support mechanisms, mentoring and supportive leadership. This study aims to identify the mentoring needs of men in ECEC using an anonymous short quantitative survey, develop and implement evidence-based recommendations to support male educators with the aim of increasing participation and retention in the ECEC sector in the participating countries.
Who is carrying out the study?
My name is Joanne McHale, and I am a lecturer in ECEC in TU Dublin. My previous research focuses on men’s participation in ECEC and the mechanisms that support or hinder this participation. Together with my colleagues in Germany, Turkey, Norway and New York, we are conducting this international project. My focus will be on the Irish context.
What will the research involve?
For participants (male educators over the age of 18, working in ECEC), participation involves the completion of a short survey (10 mins) on your experiences and mentorship needs. A subsequent round of individual interviews may take place following the results of the survey
Why have I been invited?
You have been invited because your experience as a man working in ECEC gives you a unique perspective that we wish to understand better.
Do I have to take part?
No. Participation is entirely voluntary. You may decline to participate or withdraw at any time without giving a reason and without any negative consequences.
Will my participation be anonymous and confidential?
Yes. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. Survey data is anonymous by design. Data will be stored securely and only accessible to the research team
What are my rights?
- Right to Decline Participation: You do not have to participate in this survey.
- Right to Ask Questions: You may ask questions at any time before, during, or after the study.
- Right to Privacy: Your personal data will be protected in accordance with data protection laws (e.g. GDPR).
Are there any risks or benefits?
This study is considered low risk. Survey responses are anonymous and no personal data from interviews will be shared. Responses will be analysed in order to better understand men’s mentoring needs in ECEC and underpin the development of mentoring resources to support male educators and organisations in ECEC.
What will happen to the results?
The results will be used for academic purposes, such as publications or presentations and to inform the development of mentoring resources. A summary of the findings can be shared with you upon request. Who has reviewed this study? This study has been reviewed and approved by TU Dublin’s Research Ethics Committee.
Who has reviewed this study?
This study has been reviewed and approved by TU Dublin’s Research Ethics Committee.
Contact for Further Information:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: Dr Joanne McHale TU Dublin Joanne.mchale@tudublin.ie 01-2208095
*If you wish to take part in further research on men’s experiences in ECEC, please contact Joanne on the information above
DOWNLOAD FLYER AND INFORMATION SHEET HERE
DOWNLOAD GATEKEEPER INFORMATION SHEET HERE
