The education system and services are at the core of the Nordic model of welfare society.
A central prerequisite for an integrated, competitive and sustainable Nordic Region is that we maintain and strengthen social equity and trust in the Nordic societies and work for a society in which everyone has equal opportunities regardless of social, cultural and linguistic background, gender, mental or physical differences.
The importance of qualitative ECEC for individual positive outcomes in relation to wellbeing and the development of linguistic, social and emotional skills is underpinned by contemporary research (we will expand on this in a Nordic context below).
In addition to the individual benefits of participating in qualitative ECEC, there is also consensus on ECEC´s broader benefits for families and society in general. See, for example, the aims of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and high-profile European Union and OECD policies.
Several international efforts have been made to define quality factors for early childhood education and care. Quality can be measured in several ways, and its framing can depend on the varying emphasis placed on disciplines (e.g. whether the focus is on education, care, the social dimension, etc.).
In 2019, the Council of the EU adopted a recommendation on high-quality early childhood education and care systems. The Council recommendation includes a quality framework for ECEC that focuses on five areas of quality indicators: The importance of accessibility with regard to availability and affordability for all (1). This is to ensure high participation and social cohesion. Well-trained staff with favourable working conditions contribute to the quality of the ECEC (2). A clear definition of the curriculum ensures effective learning outcomes for children (3). Governance and funding mechanisms are crucial prerequisites for upholding high standards in ECEC services (4). Regular monitoring and evaluations are an integral part of assessing the effectiveness of ECEC systems as well as ensuring and enhancing the overall quality of services provided (5).
Nordic Approaches to Evaluation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education and Care, a report initiated by the Nordic Network on Early Childhood Education and Care and funded by the NCM, shed light on the values and principles that have guided the evaluation and assessment of the quality of early childhood education and care in the Nordic countries. The research found evidence of a Nordic model based on holistic and rights-based interpretations of children´s wellbeing, development and learning, combined with a leading role assigned to the local and municipal context within ECEC. Nordic ECEC is child-centric, and children in ECEC have the right to participate in and actively influence their everyday lives within these settings. They are listened to, and their views are taken into consideration.