One of Artevelde University students who was doing an internship in a childcare center, was addressed by a mother.

The mother complained about the cost of the diapers offered by the center: they were too expensive for her. It led to a lengthy talk about a difficult financial situation. Somewhat alarmed, the intern discussed the situation with her mentor and suggested to let the mother bring her own diapers. Not an easy suggestion, since type of diapers used were linked to the center’s policy.

So they addressed this topic in the team meeting. Surprisingly the childminders were not aware of the family’s financial problems, as the center is located in an area where families are well-off. They had simply assumed that all could afford the standard products offered. The intern next checked the statistics about disadvantaged children and families. And internally, the topic truly sprang to life. They organised a training to grow awareness, which was promptly attended by the entire staff.

Artevelde learned from this example that students can shake up a policy for the betterment of all. Their fresh view and can put things in motion and enlarge everyone’s horizon. Also, they learned that financial crises aren’t always visible and happen in all of society and that bias lurks around the corner.

Sending out able Early Years troopers
Artevelde University College (Ghent, BE) aims to put well prepared graduates into the Early Childhood Development field. Their Bachelor of Early Childhood Education focuses on child development and education, health, quality. And it is also all about good communication, teamwork and diversity in organizations that work with children.

Students learn about international societal developments and innovations in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care. They are challenged to activate, empower and professionalize parents, teams and external partners to participate in the development of young children. The Early Childhood professional assumes responsibility towards:

• children
• families
• team of education professionals
• society

How does Artevelde help their peers?
Artevelde has a strong research program, by which they aim to help grow the knowledge on Early Childhood Education and Care, but also to strengthen the workforce by constantly equipping them with the latest findings in the field. Their studies are available for a broad audience and topics include practice oriented and practice based research:

• Societal relevant and immediately significant for the ECEC-field
• Drive for development of knowledge and expertise on pedagogical settings and the ECEC-field
• Supporting the role of the ‘pedagogical coach’
• Creating mutual inspiring connections between research, practice and the educational programme

(insert link to programs/studies/initiatives, that will work better than solely listing them)

What initiatives still need development and where can others help Artevelde?
We are always open to cooperating with other organizations to do shared research. Currently some focus area’s still need expanding, for example:

• More student mobility & internationalization in our curriculum.
• Broadening the curriculum towards a more broad age range from 0 to 16 years old, and to have this reflected in the internships of the students as well.
• Supporting a broad employability for our alumni students.

What great advice does Artevelde University College have for ISSA followers
Keep investing in a strong network of ECE advocacy organizations to inspire each other and co-create together the future. Children are our future, students are our future professionals: keep investing in all of them!