Quality Matters in Early Childhood Education and Care: Sweden 2013

Abstract

This work is published on the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Organisation or of the governments of its member countries. This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.

Dialogic literary gatherings and out‐of‐home child care: Creation of new meanings through classic literature

“…This statistic is particularly worrisome because even non-care students from ethnic minorities and low socioeconomic backgrounds perform better and do not abandon school (Fangen, Johansson, & Hammarén, 2011). Both countries allocate significant amounts of public and private money to education and children's care, an important variable to consider (Evertsson, 2014;OECD, 2013OECD, , 2012. Both countries allocate significant amounts of public and private money to education and children's care, an important variable to consider (Evertsson, 2014;OECD, 2013OECD, , 2012.…”

Early Childhood Educators’ Perspectives of the Swedish National Curriculum for Preschool and Quality Work

“…Few studies have been conducted on curricula for preschool although it is evident that the curriculum and standards can exert a positive impact on children's learning and development, guide the staff to enhance children's learning and well-being, and inform the parents about their children's development and learning (Taguma et al 2013). How teachers view the existing curriculum is therefore of importance for the way they use it in everyday work with the children.…”

“…In Sweden, preschool is regarded as extremely important for child development. There is also a growing body of evidence that children who start strong in their well-being and learning will have a better outcome in school (Renblad and Brodin 2012;Taguma et al 2013). For this reason early childhood education and care (ECEC) has become a policy priority in many countries, especially with focus on curriculum and quality work (Brennan 2011;Li et al 2011;Logan and Sumsion 2010;Niikko and Havu-Nuutinen 2009;Williams and Charles 2008).…”

“…Access to a variety of challenging education materials, cooperation with parents and opportunities for the children to interact with peers and adults also affect the quality in preschool in positive ways. It is obvious from research that the benefits for the children in preschool depend on the quality (Taguma et al 2013). Five levels have been identified as key policies to encourage quality.…”

The Scandinavian Fantasy: The Sources of Intergenerational Mobility in Denmark and the US

“…The curriculum sets goals for early education, but is flexible so that it can be adapted to local and individual needs. ’ (Taguma et al, 2013, Table 2.1) In recent years, however, early childhood care in Denmark has increased its focus on education as well (see Jensen et al, 2010, for a discussion). …”