The professional adaptation experiences of novice kindergarten teachers with bachelor's degrees in China

The number of novice kindergarten teachers with bachelor’s degrees in China has grown significantly over the past decade. From 2011 to 2021, graduates majoring in early childhood education increased by over 230,000, reflecting a rapid expansion in degree holders. However, since 2022, enrollment in early childhood education programs has declined, partly due to the growing number of novice teachers struggling with job adaptation. This highlights the need for support in career preparation and adaptation.This study examines the challenges faced by these teachers during their initial career stages and how they overcome them. Through in-depth interviews, four key issues were identified: unclear career planning, excessive job expectations, the gap between theory and practice, and a lack of belonging. Teachers addressed these challenges through psychological adjustment, imitating experienced colleagues, and support from family and friends, achieving successful adaptation.The findings emphasize the need for systematic support to help novice teachers address these difficulties. Policy and institutional efforts are essential to narrow the gap between professional expectations and reality, ensuring better adaptation for early childhood education graduates.