Developing ECEC through participatory curriculum process

Finland has widely known for its high quality education system. A country without child testing and evaluation of single schools in an exception compared to many other European countries.  Finnish steering system for... [ view full abstract ]

Finland has widely known for its high quality education system. A country without child testing and evaluation of single schools in an exception compared to many other European countries.  Finnish steering system for education relies on development through curriculum processes both nationally and locally. New National Core Curriculum (NCC) for early childhood education and care was completed last year.  NCC regulates the daily activities in different forms of early childhood education. NCC was prepared in wide cooperation with specialists and early childhood personnel. The NCC script was also open for public critique and suggestion. Participatory manner continues in local processes in preparing the local curricula. This kind participatory and open preparation process has proven to be effective tool for developing education and implementing national policies. Curriculum processes offer a lot of information for ECEC personnel and arenas for professional discussions. Processes have inspired education personnel to develop their pedagogies and activities locally and in wider networks. Even though curriculum processes are arduous task for education personnel, the curriculum system is widely accepted and seen as a means to secure quality and equality in education.