Valuing Quality in Early Childhood Services New Approaches to Defining Quality

'Quality' has become a priority issue for all concerned with early childhood care and education services. Starting from the premise that 'quality' is a relative and dynamic concept based on values and beliefs, Valuing Quality in Early Childhood Services examines how the definitions of quality are established and who is involved in their establishment. The book advocates that the process should involve a range of stakeholder groups, including children, parents, staff, care providers, researchers, employers, and the community. A key issue that emerges is the need for new and creative approaches to the development of an inclusionary process in the definitions and attainment of quality care. The book examines how quality is defined and by whom. Contributions from 18 authors in six countries bring an international perspective to the discussion of quality in early childhood services. The authors suggest many ways in which to develop practice from a values-based concept of quality. Issues covered include: involving parents and children in defining quality; research and evaluation; training and curriculum; and working in ethnically-diverse societies.