The Quality Agenda In Early Childhood Education

This book investigates notions of ‘quality’ in early childhood settings both in Australia and globally. After experiencing quality reform as an educator, the author turned to research as a means by which to better understand early childhood quality reform and agenda over time. This book questions how early childhood reform policy and agenda have constructed quality - what it is presumed to be and do - over time and the implications of these 'truths'. Taking a Foucauldian governmentality view of the history of Australian early childhood services, the impetus for the quality reform era, the quality reform policy assemblages and the contemporary post-reform era, this book rigorously examines prevailing policy assumptions, ambitions and deployments of quality, and warns of an emerging ambition for ‘only quality’ settings in early childhood. This book will appeal to early childhood students and educators, education policy sociologists and all who are interested in reclaiming early childhood education and care.

This publication focuses on quality issues in early childhood education and care: it aims to define quality and outlines five policy levers that can enhance it.

In supporting children’s development, countries invest in the future successes of economies and societies. Awareness of the critical role early childhood education and care (ECEC) plays in setting a strong foundation for children’s learning, development and well-being has grown among policy makers worldwide.

This book explores international perspectives on quality improvement within the field of early childhood education and care. Many countries and governments are focusing on preschool quality as a way to improve entrenched inequalities and reduce social disadvantage and segregation: this book draws together various global case studies to showcase how different countries tackle aspects of quality improvement. The concept of quality is understood in different ways both culturally and contextually, and the implementation of measures to improve quality will differ from country to country. The book draws together case studies from numerous contexts to showcase various ways of working with aspects of quality improvement. Sharing important insights into policy and practice, this book guides a shared understanding of the complex nature of quality improvement within early childhood education and care.

This third edition has been substantially updated to include current research, written by a team of respected science education researchers. It complements the Australian Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum: Science. Concepts are brought to life through case studies, practical tasks and activity plans.

This publication explores how countries can develop and use these systems to enhance service and staff quality for the benefit of child development.

The Future of Educational Research: Perspectives from Beginning Researchers provides a snapshot of research across a diversity of fields in education conducted by beginning researchers. The five main sections of the book cover research into policy and curriculum, teachers’ experiences, educational technologies, the teaching and learning of mathematics, and literacy development. The chapters make valuable contributions to knowledge of contemporary issues in education. They illustrate research topics and methodologies that will underpin and provoke future research, and demonstrate the potential of these beginning researchers to become leaders in their chosen fields of educational research. The chapters also demonstrate the breadth of research topics being undertaken in educational research today. For supervisors and research higher degree students the book provides samples of research higher degree student writing that not only exemplify approaches to presenting research but also support the value of publication at all stages of study.

At a time when neoliberal and conservative politics are again in the ascendency and social democracy is waning, Australian public policy re-engages with the values and goals of progressive public policy in Australia and the difficulties faced in re-affirming them. It brings together leading authors to explore economic, environmental, social, cultural, political and indigenous issues. It examines trends and current policy directions and outlines progressive alternatives that challenge and extend current thinking. While focused on Australia, the contributors offer valuable insights for people in other countries committed to social justice and those engaged in the ongoing contest between neo-liberalism and social democracy. This is essential reading for policy practitioners, researchers and students as well those with an interest in the future of public policy.