Advocating for Early Childhood Studies: A Participatory Action Research Project

Activity: Academic Talks or PresentationsConference PresentationResearch

Description

This project, from the ECSDN Policy, Lobbying, Advocacy Strategy Group, aims to showcase Early Childhood Studies (ECS) student and alumni professional journeys and celebrate the core values of ECS degrees. The research also aims to build alliances with organisations who share a commitment to improving the status of and workforce conditions for those working in ECEC. This research aligns with the strategy group aims, expertise and scholarly activity relating to multiple aspects of student identity and their experiences on ECS Degrees (Jones & Strisino, 2021; Tang, 2022; Version: 4 September 2024 Owen & Simmons, 2023). The project is underpinned by the theoretical and conceptual framework of Robson and LeVoguer (2024) 'reflections on professionalism and voice'; in the application of their three strands 1. Political Voices, 2. Professional Voices, 3. Connecting Voices. This qualitative action research project (Yee, 2007) includes consultation, obtaining ethical approval, developing resources, data collection (using surveys and focus group interviews) and evaluation. Ethical approval will be obtained by associated Universities of the Principal Investigators. Ethical Codes of Conduct from those Universities and ethical guidelines (BERA 2018; EECERA 2015) regarding consent, right to withdraw and anonymity will be followed. Initial consultation findings show a shared commitment to advocating for an empowered early childhood graduate led workforce. To support the visibility and sustainability of degrees, a series of resources including podcasts, case studies, blogs and student activities have been developed. The research will be shared with HEIs, wider organisations and government bodies to inform the development of early childhood workforce policy and practice. policy, lobbying, advocacy, graduate, student
Period6 Sept 2024
Event titleEECERA 2024 Conference
Event typeConference
LocationBrighton, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational

Keywords

  • Early Childhood
  • Advocacy
  • Lobbying
  • Policy