Perspective on art education at the Early Childhood level in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Art Education at the Early Childhood level plays a key role in children’s holistic development from an early age. The aim of this study was to critically analyze the perspective of art education in Early Childhood Education in the Dominican Republic. A descriptive and interpretive documentary review methodology was adopted, using document and content analysis, indirect observation, and photography, with a field notes journal as the research instrument. A total of 21 documents were reviewed. The results reveal a correspondence between the specific competencies of Early Childhood Education and the four domains of Art Education, as well as the availability of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education offered by seven universities, whose curricula include overlapping courses and artistic practices that teachers later transfer to the classroom. It is concluded that, despite existing limitations and the shortage of specialized art education teachers, there are significant efforts to provide early childhood teachers with the necessary knowledge to promote adequate levels of artistic expression and appreciation among children.