In this study, we present the experiences of three educational projects with over thirty years of pedagogical innovation in the Basque Country: 'The Amara Berri System', 'Eskola Txikiak' and 'The Antzuola Project'. These include innovations with an inclusive focus as well as practices that affect the curriculum and school organisation for the…

Recent studies indicate tablets as the preferred devices of preschool children, due to portability, autonomy of use and variety of apps. There is also extensive evidence of the contributions of digital technologies in different areas of learning at these ages. The Aprender XXI project aimed to develop game-based learning apps, with content…

"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…

This document presents a survey of Dutch preschools, the Kleuterschools, and research projects in early childhood education. A brief background on the Kleuterschool is included. Both private and public schools are totally funded by the national government. Although it is not compulsory, most 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds attend preschool. The philosophy…

Describes the new "basic" preschool program which focuses on enhancing, rather than accelerating, all children's development and enhancing health care. Centered upon Vygotsky's theory of development, such preschool programs focus on play as the leading activity of preschool children, organize the child's material environment, and thereby…

Describes practices, facilities, and goals of Cuban day care programs and makes some comparisons with American day care programs. (ED)

This paper documents the background of a curriculum framework, the Foundation Areas of Learning, for children from birth to age 3 in South Australia. The paper examines some of the dilemmas in creating such a framework and some of the rewards as the system coped with the challenge of including its youngest learners in a clearly articulated…

Provides an overview of past and present early childhood education in the Czech Republic and describes current kindergarten programs. Discusses recent issues, such as decentralization of kindergarten, changing kindergarten curricula, inclusion of special needs children, options for kindergarten programs, and parent involvement. Concludes by noting…

Describes the daily preschool day and the curriculum for kindergarten children in one Russian city. Asserts that Russian preschool education is concerned with balancing young children's physical and intellectual development and is determined to work with parents to help nurture children. (KB)

This paper discusses early childhood education in Iceland and its in relation to the country's cultural heritage, the family welfare system, and legislation and influences from abroad. Because Iceland has been isolated for centuries from the rest of the world, the country has developed its own culture and maintained its native language. The need…

Describes the enthusiastic support of parents and early childhood educators for including computer activities in programs for young children in Hong Kong. Describes the current status of computer environments in Hong Kong kindergartens, noting the lack of curriculum guidelines for integrating computers into classrooms, the lack of resources to…

Describes the history of early childhood education in Chile and recent educational reforms. Offers an overview of the Chilean Early Childhood Education program and discusses the new national curriculum and issues arising from its implementation. Describes methods taken to help implement the new curriculum nationwide and to assist teachers in…

Describes the typical kindergarten day as experienced by one child in the German-speaking region of Switzerland. Illustrates the main goal of kindergarten as preparing children for school rather than teaching reading, writing, or written numeracy. Focuses on the oral language learning approach incorporating teacher- and child-initiated activities.…

Provides background information on the existing educational practices in early childhood education in Hong Kong, highlights issues that require attention in order to improve quality, and outlines reforms introduced by the Hong Kong Education Commission. Discusses the implications of these reforms and the associated challenges in the areas of…

Describes the Early Learning Childhood Center in Azerbaijan's capital city. Focuses on the goals of the program; its initial development; staff ratios, compensation, and teacher training; curriculum; cultural challenges and compromise; and relationships with parents. Asserts that developing a culturally sensitive program is extremely difficult,…