Enrolling in ECEC : A New Welcome Form for Pilke

Abstract

This thesis aimed to update the Welcome form at Pilke Daycare Centre to better support the diverse cultural, linguistic, and individual needs of children and their families. It is crucial for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to adopt more inclusive and culturally sensitive practices with Finland's growing multicultural population. The revised Welcome form was designed to align with the Finnish National Core Curriculum for ECEC, drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory. The primary audience for this work includes educators, policymakers, and daycare administrators. It is important to note that this thesis was conducted as a development-based thesis for Pilke Daycare Centre.

The results show that the updated welcome form would significantly enhance the understanding of each child’s background, leading to improved communication between educators and families. The main takeaway is that a culturally responsive welcome form can greatly improve a child’s early educational experience by fostering a more inclusive environment. These insights can be applied in professional ECEC settings to strengthen family engagement and promote inclusivity.