Evaluating Quality in Finnish Early Childhood Education

Johanna Heikka, Elina Fonsén, Marjo Mäntyjärvi, Laura Kiuru, Katja Suhonen, Lauri Heikonen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter presents results of a study conducted in two Finnish municipalities where early childhood education (ECE) quality was evaluated by a tool developed based on the current research, national quality indicators and Finnish ECE policy documents. Based on policy recommendations and contemporary quality management research, this chapter reflects the national principles for evaluation and the current state of evaluation and quality management in Finland at national and local levels of ECE. The key research aim was to compare ECE staff and parent evaluations of ECE quality. The theoretical approach in Finnish ECE evaluation is development-oriented, and the concept of ECE quality is formulated according to national values and the results of ECE evaluation research. Overall 786 respondents, 376 staff members and 410 parents, completed questionnaires in 2019. The research results indicated relatively high-quality ECE in the studied municipalities. However, some differences between ECE staff and parents arose in the quality evaluations.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationQuality Improvement in Early Childhood Education - International Perspectives on Enhancing Learning Outcomes
EditorsSusanne Garvis, Hillevi Lenz Taguchi
Number of pages24
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Publication date29 Aug 2021
Pages21-44
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-73181-6
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-73182-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2021
MoE publication typeA3 Book chapter

Fields of Science

  • 516 Educational sciences

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