This chapter focuses on the attainment of high quality ECEC provision through professional development (PD) facilitated in learning communities, with a basis in principles of organizational learning informed by social learning theory. To draw a picture of participatory PD we explore approaches in extant literature and in a progressive series of research projects in Denmark. This identifies what characterizes PD from a participatory and democratic perspective that can lead to the development of work practices, thereby strengthening children’s life prospects. A key element is found to be supporting cultures of reflection, shifting focus from the provision of individual qualifications to the transformation of collective practices through the establishment of shared understandings and meanings guiding them.
Original language
English
Title of host publication
Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care through Leadership, Organizational and Professional Learning.
