Teachers' Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Early Childhood Education: Developing a Framework for Effective Classroom Implementation

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed educational practices and created new opportunities for improving teaching, learning, and classroom management across educational levels. In early childhood education, successful AI integration has depended largely on teachers' readiness, including their digital competence, pedagogical knowledge, ethical awareness, and willingness to adopt emerging technologies. This study aimed to examine teachers' readiness for Artificial Intelligence integration in early childhood education and develop a framework for effective classroom implementation. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to early childhood teachers, while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with teachers, school administrators, and educational technology experts. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to determine teachers' readiness and identify the factors influencing AI integration. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis to explore teachers' experiences, perceived opportunities, implementation challenges, and professional support needs. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings provided a comprehensive understanding of teachers' preparedness and informed the development of an evidence-based framework for effective AI implementation in early childhood classrooms. The framework emphasized teacher professional development, pedagogically appropriate AI use, ethical and responsible technology integration, digital infrastructure, and institutional support. The findings highlighted that teachers' readiness, institutional support, and continuous professional development were critical for successful AI implementation in early childhood education. The proposed framework provides practical guidance for educators, school leaders, policymakers, and teacher education institutions seeking to integrate AI into early childhood classrooms in ways that enhance teaching quality, support child-cantered learning, and promote responsible educational innovation.