The Early Childhood Educator in a Critical Learning Community: Towards Sustainable Change

Abstract

The action research project Sustainable Change in a Critical Learning Community was conducted in the Netherlands (2007–08) to improve quality in early childhood by enhancement of critical reflection at all levels in early childhood organisations: educators individually and collectively, pedagogical leaders and coaches, and (middle) management. The complex reality in which professionals in early childhood organisations operate demands a reflective attitude to knowledge and practice, but in order to achieve this, participants at every level in the institution have to be involved. Bureau MUTANT conducted this action research project in cooperation with four childcare-providing organisations. MUTANT is a small independent agency that supports professionals and institutions in early childhood, welfare and health care with innovative methods, training and consultation. Respect for diversity — with regard to ethnicity, social background and gender — is a key issue in all actions. With the results of this action research, MUTANT wishes to answer questions and worries in childcare organisations in the Netherlands and to fill a gap in the professionalisation of individuals and teams. The final target is to enhance the quality of educators and thus the quality of childcare organisations, a quality based on democratic principles such as furtherance of social change, social justice and democratic values.