The Early Years Network: a Case Study in Continuing Professional Development

Abstract

This paper describes the organisation of an Early Childhood Network as a forum to support practitioners’ investigation and documentation of practice to build towards a postgraduate qualification. Empirical data is presented from participants’ reflective journals and interviews and the themes emerging from this explored. The need for initiatives to provide professional development for all Early Years Practitioners commensurate with that of teachers within mainstream schooling is asserted. Although this discussion focuses on the UK, the authors believe that the issues raised may be usefully considered by Early Childhood practitioners and those engaged in professional development in other cultures and contexts