Beyond invisibility. Welcoming children and families with migrant and refugee background in ECEC settings, European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 28:1, 1-9 (2020)

The current international debate widely recognizes the need of improving the quality of ECEC for all children and families. This is especially true when taking into account the impact that quality ECEC can have on the wellbeing of children and families with vulnerable background, including immigrant, refugees and asylum seekers.

Although much has been done to reduce inequalities, in terms of significant investment in early years education, multiple barriers to accessing ECEC settings, cultural segregation and discrimination, differences in educational opportunities, and poverty still persist. The last-mentioned phenomenon has increased significantly in recent years across many European countries, where families with younger children are at greater risk of poverty than other groups. Children who are particularly susceptible to the hazards of poverty and educational inequality include those from low-income families with a migrant background, Roma children, refugee or asylum-seeking children, street children, and children exposed to social risks such as homelessness, violence, and trafficking.

Children from ethnic minority, low‐income, and refugee backgrounds are still less likely than their peers to be enrolled in ECEC, and, when enrolled, often receive poorer quality services.

Focus of the publication:

- inclusive ECEC;

- diversity;

- migrant and refugee families/children