Expressing the culture of educational innovations in early childhood education

Advanced innovative pedagogical practices, innovative educational methods and innovative educational aids have been introduced in early childhood and pre-primary education in Lithuania. Establishment of favourable culture is perceived as one of the most significant factors that contributes to the spread of innovations in an organisation. The goal of research is to disclose the expression of innovation culture in institutions of early childhood education. The research focuses on identifying what most important features of educational innovations (STEAM, non-traditional outdoor spaces, the Learning School, engagement in international community networks) are highlighted and how the culture of educational innovations is implemented in institutions of early childhood education. By applying the factor analysis, attempts were made to identify the factors that have influence on or impede the formation of innovation culture in an early childhood education institution. The results of the quantitative research show that the culture of new knowledge registering, constant reflection, collaboration, creativity, tolerance towards new perspectives, shared leadership, ability to apply success and constant improvement has been created in an institution of early childhood education. The research allowed identifying two groups that include 3 factors of expressing educational innovation culture each. The first group embraces a constant pursuit of improvement, shared leadership and creation of an institutional environment as factors that promote the creation of the culture of educational innovations. The second group includes the structure of an institution, professional development of staff and teacher motivation seen as factors that impede formation of the culture of educational innovations in an institution of early childhood education.