A Froebelian-inspired vision of professional learning in early childhood education and care

This article presents a vision of professional learning specific to the early childhood sector. To do this, we draw on interviews with 40 Froebelian-inspired early childhood leaders from around the world. Our findings are presented as follows: (1) Professional learning is continuous, and continuous learning is enabled by time; (2) Professional learning involves reflection, and reflection is prompted by playful and critical connection; and (3) Professional learning takes place in community with others, and learning in community is enabled by cherishing differences and supporting agency. We offer this vision as a starting place for collaborative dialogues focused on generating dynamic models of professional learning that are responsive to the nuances of the global early childhood sector.

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