Pathways to professionalism in early childhood education and care / edited by Michel Vandenbroeck, Mathias Urban and Jan Peeters.

Written in association with the European Early Childhood Education Research Association.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The Danish Pedagogue Education -- A training for early childhood educators combined with full-time employment in Lyon -- Continuous professional support and quality: the case of Pistoia -- The competent ECEC system in the city of Ghent : a long-term investment in continuous professional development -- Early Childhood education and care staff with different qualifications in professional development processes -- Personal attitudes and competences of educators as a prerequisite of programme success : the case of the WTANP programme -- The early years professional in England -- From research to policy : the case of early childhood and care -- Lessons learnt and a debate to be continued.

This volume is concerned with a growing interest from policy and research in the professionalisation of the early childhood workforce. Illustrated by in-depth case studies of innovative and sustainable pathways to professionalisation, it recognises the importance of a systemic approach to professionalisation across all levels of the early childhood. The authors share insights of professionalism from various European countries and suggest that professionalism in early childhood unfolds best in a 'competent system'.