Curricula, policies & practices in early childhood education

Abstract

This publication is a collection of the presentations delivered during a symposium held in Malta between November 28th and December 1st 2000. The symposium focused on curricula, practices and policies in Early Childhood Education which are embraced in several countries around the world. The main objective of the symposium was to inform local policy makers and practitioners about the practices adopted vis-a-vis very young learners, constraints faced in various areas and attempts made at solving issues to ensure culturally relevant practices which respect and educate children while providing . them with safe, secure and welcoming environments. This event was of great importance from the Maltese point of view as a new curriculum for very young learners is currently underway. There are also as yet, unsubstantiated hypotheses that demands for child minding services and facilities will in the not-to-distant future become stronger. Thus it seemed opportune to investigate considerations made by other countries in providing for early childhood education and care. The countries represented at the symposium were indeed varied and comparative information can be obtained by focusing on regions around the world. The Mediterranean context was represented by Spain, Portugal, France, Israel and Malta. Experiences from across the channel were provided by colleagues from Ireland, England and Scotland. Central Europe was represented by Germany while from further north, practices within the Scandinavian context were highlighted by representatives from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. Bridges across the Atlantic and Pacific were crossed with representatives from USA and Canada as well as Hong Kong and New Zealand respectively. As the organiser of the symposium, it was indeed a great satisfaction and memorable experience to work with so many colleagues.