We discuss oral history interviews with academics who laid the foundation of research and pedagogies in daycare for under three-year-olds in Europe and North and South America since the 1970s. Their work is clearly embedded in the social-political context of their country: the left-wing programmes for disadvantaged families in the U.S.A.;…

This study used observations of quality of 5-year olds' lives in Danish, Finnish, and Swedish day-care centers to examine impact of adults on development of togetherness. Findings suggest that togetherness has to do with positive emotional relations. Article hypothesizes that togetherness may contribute to building of a real community of learners…

Studied the effect of child-adult ratio on communication patterns in six Swedish day-care centers. Detailed records of verbal interactions were studied in group for which ratio was dramatically changed. Found that high child/adult ratio leads to increased adult-initiated monologs and decreased child-initiated communication. (AJH)

This thesis presents a picture of how staff interact with infants (age group 1-3 years old) and parents at three day care centers. The study focused on the situations of leaving and collecting the children and the children's time of free play both in and outdoors. The theoretical content has an attachment/psycho-dynamical perspective with emphasis…

Used a life-world theoretical perspective as basis for examining how moral values and norms are expressed in interaction between Swedish toddlers and their preschool teachers or caregivers. Found that teachers/caregivers related morality to children's emotional and cognitive ability; to children's feelings of empathy, guilt, and shame; and to…

Investigated effects of program auspice (nonprofit versus profit child care), adult-to-child ratios, and class age span on teaching and on preschoolers' social and cognitive development. Found that age, gender, social background, and age span were significant predictors of children's social and cognitive development; adult-to-child ratio and…

In modern societies, children are becoming more and more users of a child culture constructed by adults, rather than producers of their own culture. This paper describes a project, implemented in Nordic child care centers and early childhood classes, that provides children the opportunity to narrate and illustrate their own stories, written down…

In child care centers, parental involvement as well as staff sensitivity toward children and parents are essential for managing cultural diversity in a way that is beneficial for both migrant and indigenous families. Defining and improving the quality of center education from a multicultural perspective require discussions between staff and…