ABSTRACT
In a perfect world, pedagogy starts with the adults that are entrusted with the care and education of young children. The role of the adult in early years education is complex and demands many different responsibilities, fulfilment of many different tasks, and being many different selves. Education has become an important factor in determining the progress of individual human beings and human society. P. Oberhuemer uses the phrase ‘early years pedagogue’ to represent early childhood educators whose practice is shaped by their unique interpretation of a wide range of personal, professional, and contextual factors that influence Early Childhood Education and Care. The role of the pedagogue changes in different pedagogical approaches, such as the balance between planned and spontaneous, and between adult-initiated and child-initiated learning experiences. A pedagogical knowledge base incorporates an understanding of the curriculum for young children.
