Conceptions of US and Brazilian early childhood care and education: A historical and comparative analysis

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Terri L. Shelton, Vice Chancellor (Creator)
Jonathan R. Tudge, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Children's first years of life are fundamental for healthy development. Appropriate care and education in the early years are far more useful than dealing with later problems, and in both the United States and Brazil scholars and public-policy makers have argued that the goal should be an integrated system of care and education. Using a cultural—historical framework to understand early childhood policies in the United States and Brazil, we examine how notions of care and education have changed over time. We show that although the two societies have the same goal, the approaches to realizing that goal have been, for historical reasons, quite different. Moreover, despite a rapid growth in the numbers of children attending preschool institutions, integrated systems have not been accomplished. Our analysis also shows how the legacy of a dichotomous approach in both societies has impeded the integration of care and education into a single system.

Additional Information

Publication
International Journal of Behavioral Development, 32(2), 161-70
Language: English
Date: 2008
Keywords
Brazil, child care, early education, historical changes, preschool, public policy, social class, socioeconomic status, United States of America

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