ABSTRACT

Exploring the importance of parental engagement in early childhood education, this book delves into research and practices in 25 countries to bring students, researchers, teachers and policy-makers insights into working families around the world. The incorporation and consideration of parental engagement and involvement in early childhood education are a new phenomenon to many countries. Yet, increasing research recognises the importance of parental engagement and involvement in early childhood education services, and the role both parents and teachers play to support children’s learning and development. Using a range of materials from curriculum to policy documents, Garvis et al. demonstrate differences in practices and terminologies pertaining to the topic and provide an international perspective on the importance of parental involvement and engagement in early childhood education services.

The content covers a range of countries as well as countries beyond an ‘Anglo-Saxon’ perspective. The different policy settings across these countries highlight how countries work with, and involve, parents differently, which is useful for jurisdictions where early childhood education is a developing aspect of a country’s education system. Looking at cultural influences, partnership approaches, parental collaboration, institutional dominance and child involvement in parent meetings, the content offers readers real understanding of parental engagement and involvement in different settings.

The readership includes students in early childhood education, and researchers, teachers, policy makers, and general members of the public interested in parental engagement or involvement in early childhood education across the globe.

chapter 5|13 pages

Parental involvement in Croatian early childhood education

Challenges and opportunities

chapter 6|11 pages

Parental involvement in Czech Republic

Towards a partnership approach?

chapter 9|10 pages

Educational partnership

Parental collaboration in German ECEC settings

chapter 11|14 pages

Parental involvement in early childhood education in Hong Kong

Critical analysis of related policies

chapter 12|15 pages

From institutional dominance to parental involvement

Models of working with families in Hungarian Kindergartens

chapter 18|10 pages

Collaborating with parents for South Sámi language learning

A study in an indigenous preschool in Norway

chapter 20|14 pages

Taming the Tiger

Exploring parental involvement in early childhood education in Singapore

chapter 22|13 pages

Parental involvement in Swedish preschools

A reflection of current steering documents

chapter 24|12 pages

United Kingdom – four nations in one country

Diversity in policy, research, and practice

chapter 25|14 pages

Family engagement in early childhood

Policy and practice in the United States