Democratic Policies and Practices in Early Childhood Education

Linda Mitchell is Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education and Director of the Early Years Research Centre at The University of Waikato, New Zealand. She has built a national and international reputation through her research and publications in early childhood education policy, and has been a strong critic of the marketization and commercialisation of education and their impact on children, families and early childhood services. Other current areas of her research are assessment, culturally responsive pedagogy, and connections with parents, families and community. A main interest is in democratic policies and practices in early childhood education.

• 1 Introduction.- 2 Aotearoa New Zealand within global trends in ECEC policy.- 3 Traditions of democracy in education.- 4 Weaving a curriculum.- 5 Assessment and pedagogical documentation.- 6 Influencing policy change through collective action.- 7 Policy frameworks and democratic participation.- 8 Conclusion.