Early education is the beginning of a child's educational path: key principles for ECEC and pre-primary education
Before we experience the child’s day, let's take a look at the basics of early childhood education and pre-primary education and understand their role as the beginning of the child's educational path (see education system in Finland).
In the video:
Sociohistorical roots
The child has a right to high-quality early education services
Holistic understanding of childhood and underlying values as a basis for early education
National core curricula for ECEC and pre-primary education sets obligations
Summary
A good foundation provides the best opportunities to thrive, learn and live a healthy, happy and sustainable life now and in the future. Early education, encompassing ECEC and pre-primary education, is the foundation of our education system.
EDUCARE, the Nordic model of early education, refers to a systematic and goal-oriented whole consisting of education, instruction and care with a particular emphasis on pedagogy. The goals for pedagogical work are based on a holistic view of the child’s
growth, development and learning. This view, in turn, is based on comprehensive multidisciplinary information and research as well as a profound knowledge of early education pedagogy and practices. In Finland, early childhood education and care covers
the period from age 0 to 6, including specific pre-primary education for 5- and 6-year-olds. All children under school-age have a subjective right to ECEC. The underlying values are the foundation for early education. The
national core curricula for ECEC and for pre-primary education are quality handbooks that determine the framework for the implementation of uniform and equal ECEC and pre-primary education. Compliance with the core curricula ensures that every child's
right to receive the same quality of ECEC and pre-primary education is fulfilled regardless of a family’s cultural, educational, geographical or economic background.
Assignment: Reflection task on video 2 (practical exercise that teachers/educators can put into practice) Page
