Examining the factor structure of the home learning environment

Abstract

The home learning environment (HLE) is an important context for fostering early development. Literature supports four subdomains of the HLE: home literacy, numeracy, executive function, and science environments. The current study examined the factor structure of the HLE with all four domain-specific established scales. Participants (N = 913) were caregivers (primarily White; 78.1%) of children aged 2 to 6 years (M = 4.28 years, SD = 1.25). Data were collected from an online platform. Results suggested that the most appropriate structure was a seven-factor model (code-based and oral language literacy, informal and formal numeracy, core and practice science, and executive function). Caregivers reported engaging in literacy practices the most and engaging in science and numeracy activities the least. This study demonstrates that the HLE is a multidimensional structure.