Early Childhood Care and Education: Challenges for the Educator

Atención y Educación en Primera Infancia: Desafíos para el educador

Abstract

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) requires efficient educators to enhance the integral development of children. This essay argues that the quality of ECCE depends on three key factors: specialized teacher training, the articulation between the conception of education and the sociocultural context, and educational relevance. In this regard, Blanco (2005); highlights the importance of initial and continuous training for educators. For their part, Araujo, Dormal and Schady (2017); relate teaching experience to better outcomes in child development. Likewise, Zapata and Ceballos (2010); emphasize the coherence between teaching practice and context. Regarding international differences, Adamson (2008); compares ECCE approaches in various countries, showing how context determines their aims. Additionally, Pezo and Führer (2018); underscore the importance of considering local realities for the success of ECCE programs. It is concluded that an efficient educator must be comprehensively trained, recognize the context, and be relevant in their practice, in order to enhance the equitable development of children.