Research project The Nordic research network for evidence-based, high-quality preschool for social justice
High Quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is central to children’s development and learning.
High Quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is central to children’s development and learning and represents great potential in the effort to build equal and resilient democratic societies based on social justice. Yet there is substantial variability in ECEC quality in the Nordic countries, and there is a significant need for increased research efforts to inform policy on how to establish high quality ECEC for all children.
Project description
High Quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is central to children’s development and learning and represents great potential in the effort to build equal and resilient democratic societies based on social justice. Yet there is substantial variability in ECEC quality in the Nordic countries, and there is a significant need for increased research efforts to inform policy on how to establish high quality ECEC for all children. Because there are similarities and differences in terms of ECEC policy, research, and practice in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, increased international collaboration and joint research is an important next step. The aim of this network of Nordic ECEC researchers is therefore to strengthen research on evidence-based high quality preschool practice and to identify synergies through applied multi-disciplinary intervention research. Objectives: Undertake a comparative analysis of ECEC policies supporting high quality ECEC Identify evidence-based best practices for high quality ECEC with an emphasis on socioeconomically challenged areas Review existing assessment tools to support the design, monitoring, and evaluation of high-quality ECEC Build the foundation for a permanent Nordic network on high quality ECEC The network group is composed of ECEC researchers from Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala, Jyväskylä and Stavanger Universities. Planned activities include 5 workshops, scientific articles, an EU Horizon application, and a Nordic conference.
Co-applicants:
Linda Forssman, Uppsala university
Heidi Harju-Luukkainen, Jyväskylä university
Elin Lie Reikerås, University in Stavanger
Pia Williams, Göteborg university
Project members:
Susanne Kjällander
Anna Palmer
Hillevi Lenz Taguchi
Mia Heikkilä
Robert Lecusay
Lena Aronsson
John Kaneko
Eric Pakulak
Project members
Project managers
Sofia Frankenberg
Universitetslektor
Members
Susanne Kjällander
Universitetslektor
Anna Palmer
Universitetslektor, Docent
Hillevi Lenz Taguchi
Professor
Mia Helena Heikkilä
Professor
Robert Lecusay
Universitetslektor
Lena Aronsson
Lektor
Eric Pakulak
Associate professor
