ABSTRACT
This paper focuses on the quality of the education offered by the 94 state-aided private childcare centers in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. During the initial stage of this research, general data has been gathered concerning the operating conditions (physical infrastructure, toys, professional training, etc.) of 54 facilities. Subsequently, the scope has been narrowed to only 16 of them, seeking specific knowledge on the pedagogical practices adopted, such as: languages and experiences in playful contexts; time periods, space, and materials; children's engagement and teachers' commitment. Visits to childcare centers were conducted, and specific scripts for interviews and classroom observations were closely followed. The data analysis regarding both operating conditions (physical infrastructure and materials) and pedagogical practices (for example, the lack of communication and poor interaction between teachers and boys and girls) indicates great challenges to be faced. Taking into account the current legislation, the advances in the field of Early Childhood Education, the great impact of educational experiences on the lives of infants and toddlers and even the risk of becoming ill to which they are exposed, the assessment carried out implies the abolishment of such public-private partnership agreements as a strategy to meet the demand for nursery services. On an emergency basis, as long as this sort of practice persists, there is an urgent need for greater public investment in order to guarantee these citizens’ right to quality education.
Keywords:
Quality assessment of early childhood education; Educational conditions; State-aided private childcare centers; Pedagogical practices