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

Article

Halls, K. and Sakr, M. 2025. A Froebelian-inspired vision of professional learning in early childhood education and care. Journal of Early Childhood Research.
TypeArticle
TitleA Froebelian-inspired vision of professional learning in early childhood education and care
AuthorsHalls, K. and Sakr, M.
Abstract

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.

Sustainable Development Goals4 Quality education
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
Research GroupCentre for Education Research and Scholarship (CERS)
PublisherSAGE Publications
JournalJournal of Early Childhood Research
ISSN1476-718X
Electronic1741-2927
Publication process dates
Accepted24 Sep 2025
Deposited29 Sep 2025
Output statusAccepted
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

This manuscript has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Early Childhood Research, published by SAGE Publications. Copyright 2025

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