ERIC Number: EJ1178157
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Jun
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0141-8211
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Diversity and Diversification in ECEC Practices: Considerations from Serbia
Miškeljin, Lidija; Sharmahd, Nima
European Journal of Education, v53 n2 p254-263 Jun 2018
Focusing on diversity represents a step forward towards a complex concept of quality in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) system. The diversification of programmes and services takes shape within this framework, bringing a shift from purely technical issues towards a joint construction of the community's culture. Its complexity is visible in its conceptualisation, which combines theoretical and ideological key points concerning childhood, learning, development, well-being and the role of adults and of public policy. This article presents the process and results of a project that included a study to better understand the perspective of professionals, parents and representatives of local policymakers on the meanings given to the diversification of programmes in the ECEC system in Serbia. The method was participatory, with focus groups supporting participants in expressing their opinions and in co-creating meanings and knowledge, linking research to group reflection. The aim was to identify practices related to these meanings in a coherent way, focusing on the concepts of well-being and respect for diversity. The main conclusion is a strong need for a multilevel network to: (a) support policymakers and professionals in creating socially-mixed contexts, (b) support parents by making them feel that they are partners in the educational system, and (c) invest in continuous professional development (CPD) programmes for professionals to train them and encourage them to co-reflect on practice.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Early Childhood Education, Child Care, Attitude Measures, Focus Groups, Well Being, Student Diversity, Cultural Awareness, Consciousness Raising, Parent Participation, Professional Development, Young Children
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Serbia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A