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Early Childhood Education in France: A Personal Perspective (HTML)
By Bonnie R Hurless
Beyond the Journal: Young Children on the Web; September 2004

Summary: This article explores differences in early childhood education between France and the United States in national curriculum, educational expectations, and teacher preparation. France has a national curriculum that begins at age two years. The main purpose of preschool in France is to expose children to French culture. French parents, educators, and society all expect their schools to prepare children for future roles as contributing members of French society. Early childhood teachers complete the same education as do teachers at all other levels. They are viewed as professionals and enjoy the same salary, status, and prestige. The French system includes universal availability, consistent quality, rigorous teacher training, and streamlined funding and governance. This type of system may have limited application in the United States.

Index Terms: Child Development, Curriculum, Educational Enrichment, Educational Philosophy, Teacher Qualifications, Cultural Diversity, Early Learning Standards, France

Publisher: National Association for the Education of Young Children

Publication Type: Reports (Descriptive)

Pages: 6 pages
Language: English
URL: http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200409/hurless.asp

Availability
National Association for the Education of Young Children
1313 L Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20006
800-424-2460
FAX: 202-328-1846
resource_sales@naeyc.org
http://www.naeyc.org/

 
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