Early Childhood Education, Sociocultural Contexts - Professional Partnerships in ECE

Introduction

Partnerships are central to the work of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals. Professional partnerships and relationships with children, families, professionals from other disciplines, and early childhood colleagues are central in supporting young children’s learning and advancing the professional development of teachers. Participating in quality ECEC programs holds benefits for children and their families such as the provision of nurturing learning programs, creating and enhancing family and community networks, and the early childhood service being positioned as a trusted source of information and support for families and communities (Mitchell et al. 2008). Working in partnership with others also has benefits for the professional learning of early childhood teachers as they share their knowledge, skills, and experiences and engage with the perspectives of other professionals. This can lead to deeper deliberations on one’s own practice and positive...