The relationship between structural factors and interaction quality in Norwegian ECEC for toddlers

The study investigates the relationship between the two structural factors of quality: organisational form (stable groups versus flexible groups) and staff–child ratio, in relation to interaction quality between staff and children in toddler departments in a sample of Norwegian kindergartens. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the relationship between structural quality (form of organisation and staff-child ratio) and process quality (interaction quality).  

The results show that an organisational form involving small groups and a stable department structure is associated with higher interaction quality. The relationship between staff-child ratio and interaction quality varied depending on other factors. The authors emphasise that there is no clear and simple relationship between structure and process quality in Norwegian kindergartens, and they recommend that more factors and perspectives must be included in further research on the relationship between these two quality factors.  

The study’s sample consists of 93 Norwegian kindergartens, with a total of 206 departments. The kindergartens were organised in both stable (74.8%) and flexible (25.2%) departments. Everyday life in each department was observed for four hours. In addition, interviews were conducted by the pedagogical leader at each department after the observation. The results were analysed using the ITERS-R assessment scale (assessment scale for infant/toddler environments). 

Løkken, I. M., Bjørnestad, E., Broekhuizen, M. L. & Moser, T. (2018). «The relationship between structural factors and interaction quality in Norwegian ECEC for toddlers”. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 12(9).