System Hybridity in Dutch ECEC: Challenges and Opportunities for Equity and Inclusion

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Two Ends of the Pipeline: Early Childhood and Higher Education Social Policy

Abstract

Due to the introduction of market mechanisms and the admission of private organizations to carry out public tasks, the early childhood education and care (ECEC) systems in many countries are characterized by system hybridity, raising the question how these systems can fulfill public tasks such as the early prevention of education gaps. Taking the hybrid system of the Netherlands as a case in point, this paper examines (1) how system hybridity shapes ECEC organizations’ strategies and (2) how this relates to inclusiveness and quality. Three types of organizations were found. Especially the engaged professional mixed for-profit/not-for-profit centers exemplified a new organizational configuration combining characteristics of market-driven, professional-bureaucratic and missionary organizations. This type was most inclusive and provided the highest quality.

Authors

• Paul P.M. Leseman, Utrecht University

• Pauline Slot, Utrecht University

• Willeke van der Werf, Utrecht University