Abstract:

The goal of the proposed paper is to provide an overview of important knowledge about upbringing, education, and childcare, which is systematic, supported by pedagogical research, in accordance with the child’s stage of development, and which can be useful for parents. The first three year of age represent the most critical and most important period from the aspect of complex personality development. In the theoretical part of the paper, the developmental stage of early childhood from the aspect of its pedagogical importance is dealt with and a conceptual basis for curricula development is proposed. In the empirical part of the paper, methodological aspects of the field of early childhood upbringing, education, and care are focused on. Based on the obtained data from participants working in the field of early childhood upbringing, education, and care with children up to three years of age, the authors summarize the results of the questionnaire survey and present a conceptual background for designing a framework for curricula development for the given age group. The proposed paper can also be used as a source of information for parents of children attending early childcare institutions as a part of family education intervention. It is also possible to make such information accessible - e.g. for parents on parental leave - through institutions’ websites.

Keywords:

Early childhood, teachers’ preparedness, upbringing, education, childcare, parents, family.