Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic showed how crucial it is to keep the relationship between ECEC centres and families and children alive. Considering the possible fear and stress that parents and children experienced during the pandemic situation, ECEC had to invest even more than usual in establishing a partnership with families based on mutual trust.

The INTRANS project has identified six key actions that policy decision-makers, providers and leaders should undertake – in dialogue with trade unions organisations – to promote professionalization of ECEC staff, in times of crisis and beyond.

One of the key requirements to support children’s transitions into and from ECEC settings is having a competent staff. This calls for investment in both initial and continuing education paths for all ECEC staff (core practitioners, assistants etc). On the one hand, there is a need in raising and improving the level of qualification required for ECEC staff, and on the other hand, investment in support reflection on daily practice is needed.