A special challenge for Europe: the inclusion of Roma children in early years education and care

Abstract

ABSTRACTProvision of early childhood education and care (ECEC) for Roma children serves as a litmus test for the broader social inclusion agenda in Europe. The majority of Roma children and families live in substandard, often insecure and isolated housing and have limited access to quality health, social care and education services. There is a growing commitment across the European Union, governments, international institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to invest in early childhood for Roma. Effective early childhood programmes have been piloted and the most successful focus on establishing trust and empowering communities. Some do this by hiring Roma staff and building the capacity of non-Roma staff to work with diverse populations in preschools and primary schools. Another approach is to develop integrated services in communities, often operated by NGOs. Improving the lives of Roma children in Europe will not be achieved unless discrimination is addressed in the society at large.