The multicultural approach in early childhood education at Small Folks day care

Abstract

The purpose of the thesis was to show how the multicultural approach in Early Childhood education is implemented at Small Folks day care, an international and multicultural day care center. The results can serve both as criticism and thus as an opportunity to improve as well as an advertisement for Small Folks. Furthermore, this thesis may be used as a basis for further studies and research on the topic of multiculturality and its influence on people’s lives when implemented from an early stage on.

The thesis is based on my observations and findings of the survey, which were conducted during May-December 2017. The thesis is furthermore built on parts of the Early Childhood Education Plan of Espoo (Varhaiskasvatus 2016) as well as Small Folks’ curriculum. The methods used are mixed.

The findings of this study show, that multicultural approach as such is a term which is difficult to define and can have several interpretations. However, Small Folks does implement the multicultural approach well and thoroughly during every day working life. It has been important through this process to explore the client’s needs and wishes towards the subject frequently to be able to adjust the offered services to the client’s needs.