The effect of divorce on school life in early childhood: an examination based on teachers' perspectives

This research was conducted to examine the effects of parental divorce on children in the preschool period using a phenomenological model. The study, which highlights the increasing rates of divorce, aims to understand how children are affected by the divorce process and to develop recommendations for providing effective support and services to relevant stakeholders. The sample of the research consists of the teachers of seven children aged 60-72 months attending official kindergartens and preschool classes affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the central district of Kütahya province. Data were collected in the second semesters of the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years using a "Personal Information Form" and open-ended questions prepared by the researcher. The data obtained from interviews with teachers were analyzed using content analysis. The results reveal the effects of divorce on children's school performance, educational aspects, social interactions, emotional development, and behavioral problems. The study aims to guide teachers and relevant stakeholders in approaching children affected by the divorce process. Keywords: Behavioral Problem, Divorce, Parental Separation, Preschool, Teacher Approaches