Partnerships in multicultural ECEC settings in Norway: Perspectives from parents and professionals

Abstract

Partnerships between parents and professionals in early childhood education and care (ECEC) are well established as being important for children’s well-being and learning, and may be especially significant for children with immigrant backgrounds. The present study uses data from the Inclusive Education and Social Support to Tackle Inequalities in Society (ISOTIS) project to investigate perspectives from parents and professionals regarding their mutual partnership as well as their views on multicultural and multilingual education in culturally and linguistically diverse ECEC settings in Norway. The findings indicate positive partnership views among the parents and professionals, but also suggest the opportunity to create a more shared understanding of the child’s behaviour and potential. The findings further suggest that both parents and professionals value educational practices that promote cultural diversity. However, beliefs regarding multilingual education diverge, indicating that although ECEC may play an important role in children’s multilingual education, there is little agreement on how this role should best be played.