The seminar provides a comprehensive exploration of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) from economic, individual, family, and societal angles. Participants will examine its cost-effectiveness, individual benefits for children, positive impacts on families and communities, and its potential for promoting social equity. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the seminar offers a well-rounded understanding of the multifaceted advantages of ECEC.
Program and speakers
Opening by Minister of Education and Children Ásmundur Einar Daðason, Iceland
Economics behind the ECEC
- Miriam Wüst, Associate Professor, Copenhagen university/Department of Economics: What do (and don’t) we know about the causal effects of early childhood education? An overview of economic research from the Nordic countries
- Thomas van Huizen, Associate Professor, Utrecht University School of Economics, on the international perspective on how to assess the importance of quality preschool from a socio-economic perspectiv
- Jenný Dagbjört Gunnarsdóttir, School Counselor, Hafnarfjörður municipality: How to secure the quality of preschools – perspective from municipalities
Qualitative ECEC
- Matti Sarvimäki, Associate Professor, Aalto university/Department of Economics: Finland’s preschool experiment
- Veslemøy Rydland, Professor, University of Oslo/Department of education: Language stimulation for children with another language background and inclusion
Perspective on families
- Ann-Zofie Duvander, Professor, Stockholm university/Department of Sociology: What, when and who? Types of ECEC, when children start and potential consequences of differentials in participation at various ages
- Tuomas Kosonen, Professor, VATT institute for economic research: Paying moms to stay home; short and long run effects on parents and children
Facilitator: Jani Erola, Professor, University of Turku
The seminar will also be streamed, so online participation is possible.
To learn more and register for the seminar, click here.