ABSTRACT

This book draws on the perspectives of leading German scholars to provide a systematic overview of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Germany, furthering international understanding of the complexities involved in ECEC topics in Germany.

The book provides a unique insight into parts of German ECEC rarely seen outside of the country. Offering in-depth insights into historical developments, theoretical approaches and empirical research, the volume discusses Germany’s long tradition in ECEC against the backdrop of Froebel and other pedagogues and traditions. Chapters consider ECEC in Germany from the perspectives of theory, institutions and professionalization. The book draws on international literature and current debates to highlight the features and peculiarities of ECEC in Germany, contributing to dialogue on research into early childhood education and care.

Providing a much-needed, internationally relevant insight into ECEC in Germany, this text will be essential reading for academics, researchers and post-graduate students involved in the field of early childhood education, international education, educational theory, and those researching educational policy and politics more widely.

part 2|88 pages

Theoretical perspectives

chapter Chapter 4|17 pages

Shifts between education, upbringing and childcare

On the transformation of basic concepts of early childhood pedagogy in the professional discourse of Germany

chapter Chapter 6|17 pages

Phenomena

Play and learning

chapter Chapter 8|16 pages

Difference and early childhood education in Germany

Qualitative research and educational programme

part 3|71 pages

Institutions and actors

chapter Chapter 9|17 pages

The German ECEC system

Governance structure, policies, and constitutive norms

chapter Chapter 10|17 pages

Child and childhood

chapter Chapter 11|17 pages

Families and parenthood

part 4|75 pages

Professionalization

chapter Chapter 15|19 pages

Action amid contradictions

Research perspectives on areas of tension within professional ECEC practice in Germany

chapter Chapter 16|17 pages

Evidence- and efficiency-based models of professionalization

How do they contribute to improving early childhood education?