Belonging in an Early Childhood Education Setting: Perspectives of Children and Educators

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: Productive Partnerships in Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood Settings

Abstract

This study examines the views of children and educators on belonging in one diverse preschool setting. It builds on the ideology of the politics of belonging, where belonging refers to relationships, participation and the process of inclusion and exclusion. Furthermore, the study is grounded in the field of Childhood studies and the children’s rights movement. Data collection was twofold. First, the children were observed in the preschool and then they were invited to take photos using iPads. The photos served as stimuli for the conversations with the children. The children’s views were then introduced to the educators, who reflected on them. The findings inform two overarching themes: the meaning of inclusion and exclusion and the meaning of ethnic identities.

Author

• Johanna Einarsdottir, University of Iceland