ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores parental perceptions of the importance of early learning in preparation for formal schooling in the Australian context. It shows that in Canada, the workforce is underqualified and poorly compensated, with difficult working conditions. The book discusses how Chile needs to focus on early comprehension skills in order to provide quality language experiences at the preschool level. It argues that parent–educator collaborations should be all about understanding the everyday aspects of children’s holistic development. The book describes how inclusion and diversity in early childhood education and care (ECEC) is perceived in Germany and provides an overview of the policies and practices on parental involvement in ECEC in Greece. It also describes the findings from her parent empowerment program, specifically targeted to parents of young children enrolled in a local childcare support centre in Seoul, Korea.
