Policy responses to diversity in early childhood education and care: Setting the agenda and meeting the challenges

The study investigates contemporary Swedish political responses to increased cultural and linguistic diversity within the kindergarten sector. More specifically, it investigates how national authorities and organisations initiate collaboration, apply and produce policy knowledge, and identify priorities and challenges. The research questions are: 1. How do central Swedish political institutions and organisations collaborate on kindergarten policy and diversity and what sources of knowledge do they use and produce in the process? 2. What issues and priorities are raised regarding diversity in kindergartens, as initiated by the government and central political bodies? 3. What contexts, conditions, and challenges are identified by political actors as frameworks for diverse kindergartens?

The results suggest a consensus on the definitions of priorities for diversity policy in the kindergarten sector. A core priority is to emphasise the importance of the Swedish language within a broader multilingual approach related to increased participation in kindergartens, and to discourses on school preparedness and community integration. However, a tension exists between identifying political priorities and structural challenges at different levels. Different childhood conditions, housing segregation, and a lack of trained kindergarten staff present challenges that require a more comprehensive approach than the official political frameworks.

The researchers conducted a document study that included recent texts published by the Swedish government and governmental bodies regulating the kindergarten sector, texts that focus on cultural and/or linguistic diversity and texts that are publicly available. The documents were systematically reviewed to give the study ‘contextual wealth’ and descriptive information. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight senior officials to understand the complexity of the political processes in kindergarten.

Papakosma, M. (2023). Policy responses to diversity in early childhood education and care: Setting the agenda and meeting the challenges. European Educational Research Journal, 14749041231181935.