Transition to school is recurrently pointed out as key to children's immediate well-being at school start, as well as to their long-term educational endeavors. Aspirations towards continuity during transition is a common denominator across research, policy, and practice, in Denmark as well as internationally. This theoretical-conceptual paper…

In this paper, we use data from 44 Danish families to develop a new conceptual framework for analysing family learning environments and how they shape children's opportunities in the Scandinavian context. We use data from qualitative interviews and a new smartphone app to outline six key dimensions of family learning environments that intersect in…

The national policies and historical roots of early childhood education (ECE) vary from society to society. In the Nordic countries, early childhood education and care (ECEC) policies have been built in the context of the welfare state. As such, they are closely connected to other welfare policy areas such as social policy, family policy and…

A gender-diverse workforce is becoming the global goal for high-quality early childhood programming. Having a balance of female and male early care and education (ECE) professionals supports greater flexibility in the gender role expectations of young children and helps girls and boys avoid stereotypic assumptions about gender. This article lists…

Through an analysis of a recent Danish administrative educational reform in the area of early childhood education, this article raises a discussion about the way pedagogical objects and subjects are generated in the knowledge acquisition of administrative educational reforms promoting accountability, visibility and documentation. It is argued that…

Based on the observations of teachers and other adults in the framework of our school concept, this study follows the development of a young boy during his first three school years. Jerry is gifted in many fields and shows a complex range of interests. Although he was among the youngest in his class coming into the school, Jerry was more…

"Understanding the Danish Forest School Approach" is a much needed source of information for those wishing to extend and consolidate their understanding of the Forest School Approach in Denmark and how it is used in the teaching and learning of young children. It will enable the reader to analyse the essential elements of this Approach…

In this article, the author presents the challenges faced by early childhood education in 29 countries, according to the World Forum National Representatives and Global Leaders for Young Children. The countries represented in these responses include: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan,…

The article discusses child development in the context of child life in day care. It traces children's development of an independent, autonomous life and their creation of culture where play is a central feature. The culture produced by the children is analysed on the basis of classical notions of culture. Furthermore the emergence and development…

The status of early detection of handicaps in children as well as teacher/parent awareness and involvement in the intervention process are reported for nine countries as part of a 1978-1979 study conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Case studies and an overview of case-study findings are presented for…

These two booklets provide overviews of educational programs for young children in Denmark. The first booklet briefly outlines recent initiatives in preschool education. Four types of preschool institutions currently in operation are indicated. The major portion of the booklet is focused on the aims and methods of day nurseries, nursery…

Describes public day care in Scandinavian countries. Argues that a "second welfare state" has emerged to carry out some family functions. Discusses repercussions for children and families, as well as problems of equity, quality, and bureaucratization in the system. Suggests that the United States can benefit from Scandinavian experience.…

This third review of services for young children in the European Union, undertaken by the European Commission Child Care Network, covers services providing care, education, and recreation for children from birth to 10 years of age. The report is particularly focused on group settings and family day care. The report consists of a summary of main…

"Can You Hear Me? The Right of Young Children to Participate in Decisions Affecting Them" emphasises that participation enhances children's self-esteem and confidence, promotes their overall capacities, produces better outcomes, strengthens understanding of and commitment to democratic processes and protects children more effectively.…

In modern societies, children are becoming more and more users of a child culture constructed by adults, rather than producers of their own culture. This paper describes a project, implemented in Nordic child care centers and early childhood classes, that provides children the opportunity to narrate and illustrate their own stories, written down…