peer review process

Exploration In Early Childhood Research applies a blind peer review process. In conducting a review, at least three experts are assigned according to their fields. The Editor-in-Chief or editor, based on the research field (the list is available on the Editorial Board page), provides acceptance or rejection decisions. A summary of the editorial process is provided in the flowchart below.

Manuscript Pre-check
After submission, this initial check assesses the following: Suitability of the manuscript to the journal’s scope and templates; Qualification and background of the authors; and rejection of poor-quality manuscripts.

Blind Peer Review
The process follows a blind peer review system. To assist academic editors, the Exploration In Early Childhood Research staff handles all communication with authors, reviewers, and the external editor. An editor can check the status of manuscripts and the identity of reviewers at any time. In conducting a review, at least three experts are assigned according to their fields. Reviewers are given two weeks to write their reviews. They are asked to provide their report within one week when reviewing a revised manuscript. In both cases, extensions can be granted upon request.

Editor Decision
An editor makes well-informed decisions on manuscripts after peer review (the list is available on the Editorial Board page). The editor can choose from the following options: accept, reject, request revisions from the author, or request an additional reviewer. If there is any suspicion of plagiarism, the editorial office will conduct a check using Turnitin software. On average, the process from submission to publication takes four weeks.