Inter-agency coordination of services for children and families - initial literature review

Disadvantaged families living in poverty, especially those living in deprived neighborhoods where risks tend to accumulate, have diverse needs for support. Throughout Europe different models of service-coordination and integration exist, but a systematic overview of experiences and evidence on effectiveness is not available. The aim of this initial review is to: - identify facilitators and challenges at the interpersonal and at the structural-organizational level that are relevant to successful coordination, collaboration and integration of multiple services for young children (e.g. communication, case management, financial resources, policy measures); - identify models of working and domains for the development of a common framework; - summarize the potential impact of inter-agency working upon children, families and communities

Children’s right to participate: The Lundy model applied to early childhood education and care

Children have the right to express their views in all matters affecting them, and to have them considered and given due weight. Children’s participation is most meaningful when rooted in children’s everyday lives, and its promotion should be encouraged from the youngest ages, especially in early childhood education and care (ecec). In this paper we apply the Lundy model of participation, widely used in policy, practice and professional development initiatives, to the ecec context. Based on examples provided by ecec professionals from Belgium, Greece, Poland, and Portugal, we illustrate the implementation of the elements of space, voice, audience and influence, proposed by the Lundy model. We also discuss the interrelations among these elements and the need for organisational and contextual support to enhance children’s participation. This paper adds to existing literature, highlighting theoretical and practical issues associated with the promotion of children’s right to participate in ecec.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Internet survey among staff working in formal and informal (education) sectors in ten European countries

This staff survey among over 1,000 professionals across ten European countries revealed interesting and relevant information on three core topics: i) cultural and linguistic beliefs, practices and organizational policies, ii) relations with parents and other stakeholders, and iii) staff’s work environment. A wide range of professionals were involved, including teachers, specialists, managers and social and family workers, working in a variety of settings, such as early childhood education and care (ECEC), formal education, after-school care and the social work sector. The main findings will be discussed in the following sections

Internet survey among staff working in formal and informal (education) sectors in ten European countries

This staff survey among over 1,000 professionals across ten European countries revealed interesting and relevant information on three core topics: i) cultural and linguistic beliefs, practices and organizational policies, ii) relations with parents and other stakeholders, and iii) staff’s work environment. A wide range of professionals were involved, including teachers, specialists, managers and social and family workers, working in a variety of settings, such as early childhood education and care (ECEC), formal education, after-school care and the social work sector. The main findings will be discussed in the following sections