Reflections of Preschool Teachers Regarding the Major Earthquake Disaster Experienced in Turkey

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to gather in‐depth information about the direct effects of the major disaster resulting from the earthquakes of 7.4 and 7.8 magnitudes that occurred in Turkey on February 6, 2023, and still affect the most affected provinces, from the perspective of preschool teachers working in those regions. This includes examining the ongoing effects of the earthquake on themselves and the children, the conditions they are facing, problems encountered and potential solutions. Participants responded to 12 open‐ended questions prepared for this purpose using Google Forms, ensuring complete anonymity of their identities. The qualitative data obtained were analysed using a phenomenological approach, and themes were identified. Through phenomenological analysis, three main themes and their subcategories emerged. Under the main theme of educational problems, subcategories such as emotional issues, difficulty in separation from mothers, recurring fears related to earthquakes, and games were identified. The second main theme emerged as solutions in education. The third main theme, under the title of recovery, included subcategories such as social activities and socialisation, psychological support and games and toys.