In recent decades, a global consensus has emerged that acknowledges that Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) requires systemic, cross-sectoral approaches. In this context, integrated early childhood approaches are flourishing in South America. Although these policies have been successful in many aspects, ECEC provision in the region…

Preschool education is fundamental to shape children's aptitudes and skills in early life. Ecuador is following a global education trend for starting-up mathematical thinking at earlier development ages, but this is only reflected in vehement curricular changes that are not supported properly. As a result, the safeguarding of a good children's…

Presents two interviews describing the creation of the Colegio Menor in Quito, Ecuador, a bilingual renaissance school that teaches Ecuadorian children both Spanish and English. The first interview describes an American university professor's experiences in helping design and develop the school. The second interview is with an Ecuadorian preschool…

Surveyed preschool administrators, teachers, and parents from four countries about what constitutes developmentally appropriate preschool practice. Found that respondents from Finland scored high on all survey items. Administrators and teachers from the United States scored higher than U.S. parents, who preferred a more formal, academic approach.…

Describes socioeconomic conditions in Ecuador challenging optimal child development. Describes operation of a preschool in a poor neighborhood and discusses visits to an orphanage and to a special education facility during collaboration with the parochial leadership, medical personnel, and educators in the town of Quito. Reflects on successful…

This article provides a case study of monocultural personnel preparation, discusses various cultural beliefs about disability, and examines the effect of the dualities and dichotomies of parent/professional beliefs about childhood disabilities. In addition, it discusses intervention concerns in developing countries such as Turkey, Ecuador, and…