The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and especially article 12 has put children's right to participation high on the agenda in early childhood settings in many countries. Based in a qualitative study done in early childhood institutions in Norway, this article analyses how salient features of dialogues between children and teachers create…

Contemporary social theory and the United Nations (1989) "Convention on the Rights of the Child" have forged current interest in the concept of children's citizenship. However, what citizenship is and can be for young children is surrounded by much debate and ambiguity. This article discusses explorations of possibilities of children's citizenship…

Stemming from the UNCRC, childhood researchers have proposed a variety of methodological strategies for upholding children's rights and understanding their perspectives. This paper aims to advance the conversation on engaging children's perspectives by presenting data collection methods used in a qualitative study exploring children's special…

When child-raising involves violence, a conflict of values arises between the parents' autonomy and the children's right to equal participation in a democratic society. In this article I discuss, from the perspective of discourse analysis, how a dichotomous understanding of the public versus private sphere can constitute a threat to children's…

Albeit science is clear in its support for early childhood, the developmental outcomes for young children, globally, are poor. It is hypothesized that evidence-based policies may be a potential mediator of the application of science to improve the lives and well-being of young children. However, the question arises--at what stage of policy…

This paper describes a recent study conducted jointly by the authors in the Khomas Region of Namibia. The study developed and trialled research and documentation methods regarding very young children who had been infected or affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Because of the stigma attached to the disease, effective methods for assessing "real"…

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program was designed to promote the fundamental rights of young children in India. This paper assesses its effects on the survival, development, and education of young children in India by considering the results of two national level evaluation studies. Their findings indicate that the ICDS has…

Western preschools and schools find it important to nurture democracy. However, in order to succeed in nurturing democracy, democratic ideas must be implemented in all situations. Education alone, therefore, is not enough. All children must experience real influence over their situations, and experience the opportunity for self-determination in…

The rights of participation for children in child care programs have not received strong attention. This is because the primary purpose of such programs is not to serve the needs of children. Government in many western countries support and promote child care primarily to serve economic imperatives related to parental participation in employment.…

In this paper I argue that children have a right to basic numeracy and that studies of adult numeracy suggest that this right is being denied to many in British schools. Because of the way that maths education discourses are structured, we do not have a separately defined discourse around numeracy teaching, and this has implications for young…

A right to development is one of the basic principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Several articles are specifically about protecting and promoting children's development, and other articles refer to developmental concepts of maturity and evolving capacity. Realizing young children's right to development is informed by numerous…

Young children below school-age, especially those under three, have gotten more and more attention paid to them during the last years. Is it for good or for bad? Extreme and consequential views and actions towards (especially) the youngest children may result in problems--for the children. This essay presents a discussion about different ways to…

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child asserts the child's right to identity, privacy, freedom of thought and beliefs, but also a right to protection. In the Swedish curricula for pre-school and school (Ministry of Education and Science in Sweden, 1994, 1998), it is stated that children should be treated with respect and that all education…

Describes the lasting effects of early experience on children's development. Highlights educational strategies for early childhood educators, distinguishes academic and intellectual aspects of education and learning, details the critical period in social development, development of communicative competence, and cultural identity. Suggests that…

Reconceptualizes the role of the professional playleader, taking into account the contexts of children's development. Describes the growth of adventure playgrounds and playleadership in Europe. Discusses the responsibilities and attributes of the playleader, focusing on advocating for children's right to play. (KB)