Competences & Standards

This background paper highlights the importance of early childhood development and presents ECE data on demand, enrolments and national policies. It also discusses the important role of pre-primary/early childhood education and the complexities of the teaching profession. Special emphasis is given into the professionalization of the field and examples in the following fields: 1) the roles and responsibilities of government bodies, employer organizations, trade unions and civil society groups; 2) ECE content: Curricula and teaching methods; 3) ECE financing; 4) Preparation for the profession; 5) Recruitment, deployment and retention; 6) Professional and career development; 7) Employment terms and conditions; 8) Learning and teaching conditions; 9) Evaluating ECE personnel; and 10) ECE governance and social dialogue.

Drawing on the analysis of those factors, a variety of recommendations in line with the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, as well as the ILO guidelines, have been suggested, which should be put in place by governments and other providers of early childhood education to enhance the professionalization of – and improve the working conditions of – ECE personnel.

The focus of this report is on the impact of the working conditions and continuous professional development (CPD) of the workforce in the field of early childhood education and care (ECEC) on the quality of the services provided and, in particular, on the outcomes for children. The report reviews research evidence from all 28 EU Member States, including both English and non-English language studies. The aim is to identify how the training and development of ECEC workers who operate in a range of settings might be tailored to most effectively improve the quality of the care and education services available for children below primary-school age in EU Member States. The review establishes what are known to be, on the basis of available research evidence, the links between CPD interventions, working conditions and outcomes for children. In so doing, it aims to inform policymakers’ decisions on effective strategies for sustaining the quality of ECEC through investment in its workforce. The evidence points to critical factors in CPD intervention.

The Early Learning and Childcare workforce (ELC) and Out of School Care (OSC) workforce have long been recognised as diverse and disparate. Within such diverse provision there are major differences in work environments, qualifications, recruitment, retention and staff progression routes.

This Review is informed by:

• Evidence gathered during focus groups and discussions with practitioners and key stakeholder institutions and bodies
• Visits made to schools and ELC and OSC settings
• Information gathered though two online consultations
• Meetings with the Early Years Division and other Government officials
• Consultation with the Core Reference Group of stakeholders

In addition, it has considered, and built upon, previous research, developments and policies both within and beyond Scotland. These provide an evidence base against which comparisons have been made of current Scottish processes and practices related to the workforces.

The purpose of this Review is to identify and make recommendations on how the skills, qualifications and training of staff working within the early learning and childcare and out of school care sectors, from birth to age 14, can contribute to improved outcomes for children, help to reduce social inequality and close the attainment gap, based on the evidence gathered in the course of the Review and wider research evidence.

This Review’s proposals are radical and wide-ranging. They are inter-related and should be seen as an integrated set – and not separately. They build on the many existing strengths of the ELC and OSC
sector within Scotland. They aim to support both a vision for the future and a coherent and manageable means for realising that vision.

Workforce Development Framework (WDF) aims to support states and early childhood programs by providing recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for developing and implementing career pathways to support the professional learning and practice of early childhood educators and program directors.

This statement aims to:

• Raise awareness about the need for career pathways that support and develop the specialized competences and skills of early childhood educators and early childhood program directors;
• Highlight the importance of building a progression of professional development and educational opportunities for the early childhood workforce, making it understandable to all stakeholders as a key strategy to expand high-quality early childhood education for all children from birth;
• Provide recommendations for state agencies to create the policies and resources to provide a career advancement pathway with the meaningful supports needed for individuals in the early care and education field;
• Provide recommendations for early childhood program leaders to support staff and take advantage of professional advancement opportunities; and
• Identify related resources to support states and local programs.
   

Key Data on Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe aims to provide insights into what constitutes high quality early childhood education and care through policy-driven and internationally comparable indicators.

This European Commission report, published jointly by Eurydice and Eurostat, combines statistical data and system level information to describe the structure, organization and funding of early childhood education and care in Europe.

The report covers issues essential to policymakers, such as, access to ECEC, governance, quality assurance, affordability, professionalization of staff, leadership, parent involvement and measures to support disadvantaged children.

The Workforce Development Framework (WDF) can guide agency leaders to improve the health of their child welfare workforce. The WDF describes the key elements of an effective workforce and evidence-informed strategies to develop each component. The WDF’s inner circle describes the process for assessing organizational workforce gaps and implementing workforce strategies while the outer one delineates the components. Leaders can use this framework to develop a comprehensive approach to improving the health of their workforce. Together, the Process and Components compose the Workforce Development Framework (WDF) developed by NCWWI.