PDF Defining and Assessing Quality in Early Childhood Education Download
- Author: Ferre Laevers
- Publisher: Leuven University Press
- ISBN: 9789061865865
- Category : Education
- Languages : en
- Pages : 300
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The sustained shared thinking and emotional well-being (SSTEW) scale is designed to consider some of the intentional and relational pedagogical strategies strongly associated with child outcomes. It considers practice that supports children aged between two and five years of age in developing skills in sustained shared thinking and emotional well-being, as well as developing strong relationships, effective communication and aspects of self-regulation. It is designed to be used for research, self-evaluation and improvement, audit and regulation. Using the SSTEW scale alongside other environment scales (including ECERS-E, ECERS-R or ITERS-R) gives users a more complete picture of what high-quality early childhood education and care can look like. It is aspirational in that it considers high quality pedagogy and practice. It can be used by researchers, heads of centers, managers, teaching staff and practitioners, as well as advisory staff and in professional development.
This collection of papers provides a useful resource for scholars who need to ground their own study in a wider historical and global discourses concerning the education of children under eight.
`Not only does this book offer a great deal of insight into evaluating early childhood services, it also provides a focal point for those interested in establishing goals, objectives and evaluation criteria for their own early childhood programmes′ - Early Years `Quality′ has become a priority issue for all concerned with early childhood care and education services. Starting from the premise that `quality′ is a relative and dynamic concept based on values and beliefs, Valuing Quality in Early Childhood Services examines how the definitions of quality are established and who is involved in their establishment. The book advocates that the process should involve a range of stakeholder groups, including children, parents, staff, care providers, researchers, employers and the community. A key issue that emerges is the need for new and creative approaches to the development of an inclusionary process in the definitions and attainment of quality care.
The aim of this book is to explore in depth how the process-oriented approach can improve the quality of education and teaching in a wide variety of contexts, that is: (1) in several European countries with different traditions and cultures, (2) in settings going from early childhood education up to the field of the professional development of teachers and (3) in institutions with differing profiles, ranging from research centres to teacher training institutes.
This book provides global perspectives on assessment and evaluation practices with young children in contemporary times within early childhood education systems. It critiques and evaluates current evaluation and assessment goals and tools in early childhood settings. The book also compares the different approaches to educational evaluations from different countries in early childhood education and care. It provides insights into different approaches, techniques as well as perspectives of micro and macro-levels of analysis. This book aims to create an international understanding about the thematic conceptions of assessment for early childhood education and care.
'This is an interesting, comprehensive and up-to-date book, which will be useful not just for students, but for experienced practitioners who want to gain a broader, more strategic understanding of the development of early childhood services' - Early Years Update 'This is a stimulating, well-structured book with excellent references to further relevant research. I am confident students will find this a meaningful key text in their study of early childhood, early years leadership and every aspect of early years education and practice' - Denise Corfield, Edge Hill University Covering the major themes of early childhood education and care, this new edition of a popular book has been updated to cover recent developments in the early years field. Linking theory and practice, it covers Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL) and the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Where appropriate, account is taken of the regional differences between policy and practice in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Chapters look at: children's rights; protecting and safeguarding children; inclusive practice for children with special educational needs; collaborative practice across education, health and social work; child health; appropriate ways to study and gain knowledge of children; theories of modern childhood; children's learning; and international perspectives. There are 5 entirely new chapters on: - working with families - children's well-being - outdoor play and learning - understanding diversity - workforce development and professionalism. With lots of helpful features such as chapter objectives, questions for reflection and discussion and recommended further reading, this new edition also includes: - extra case studies - useful websites - a glossary of key terms. Essential reading for students new to Early Childhood Studies, this book will be a useful source of references and further reading throughout any early years degree programme.
Early childhood education has reached a level of unprecedented national and international focus. Parents, policy makers, and politicians have opinions as well as new questions about what, how, when, and where young children should learn. Teachers and program administrators now find curriculum discussions linked to dramatic new understandings about children's early learning and brain development. Early childhood education is also a major topic of concern internationally, as social policy analysts point to its role in a nation's future economic outlook. As a groundbreaking contribution to its field, this four-volume handbook discusses key historical and contemporary issues, research, theoretical perspectives, national policies, and practices.
Developing Professional Practice 0-7 provides a thoroughly comprehensive and cutting edge guide to developing the understanding and practical skills necessary for working within early years education. The new edition is fully updated for the revised Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. The updated edition covers all core topics associated with developing effective professional practice, including leadership and management, personalised learning and continuing professional development. There is also a strong focus on parent/carer engagement, setting accountability for the lowest attaining groups, the parent/carer and child voice in education, transition, SEND reform, early intervention, and developing leadership at all levels including as a business model. Readers can explore in-depth issues, and take ownership of them, by applying theory to real practice in schools and early years settings. Chapter contents are directly linked to the Early Years Teacher Standards, providing a clear understanding of how the content relates to competencies and allowing readers to reflect critically on best practice. Discussion points and case studies further connect theory to practice and offer a genuinely accessible and engaging introduction to supporting the education of babies, toddlers and young children. This vibrant, dynamic and interactive approach uses examples of real practice, along with a range of additional features tailored to support the reader in developing their knowledge, skills and understanding. Developing Professional Practice 0-7 is essential reading for anyone training to work in the early years, and an invaluable resource for all those already in the early stages of their careers.
This book highlights contemporary questions around Early Childhood Education in Finland. It explores a range of issues relating to policies and practices in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The book features many aspects of the so-called Nordic model that is evident in different practices and policies of the Finnish ECEC system. Among others topics, it discusses playful learning, storycrafting, scientific literacy, pedagogical leadership, family-related variables, and Sami language learning. The findings provide important insights into the Finnish ECEC model and illustrate relevant issues facing Finland. All of the 14 chapters present unique research and give the reader the opportunity to understand how the ECEC services during children’s early years are defined and implemented. Each chapter includes a discussion of the educational outcome and highlights critical perspectives. In Finland ECEC is seen as an investment in the future. The Finnish ECEC system is one of the most equal in the world. The high-quality education is available to both private and public sectors. National curriculum and laws for early education have gone through a significant reform during the last decade, with the quality, practices and teachers’ competences being defined in order to support children’s future learning skills. ECEC in Finland is a unique combination of international influences and local intentions to put each child and family at the centre of the services. The systematic and goal-oriented ECEC system consists of upbringing, education and care with an emphasis on pedagogy in order to produce excellence for the future. Its overall planning, guidance and monitoring system is one of a kind.