The Development of Higher Education Study Programmes for Early Childhood Teachers in Slovenia.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper outlines the development of higher education programs for preschool teachers and the changing nature of preschool teacher education in Slovenia over the course of the early 1990s. Until 1991, the required qualification for preschool teachers was graduation from a secondary school for early years teachers. Since then, the required qualification has been the completion of a 2-year higher education program. In the fall of 1995 the program at the University of Ljubljana will be replaced by a 3-year degree program. The aims and content of the new 3-year program are examined, including the focus on the child and education, theoretical and practical knowledge, systems of child care, communications, and critical scientific thinking. (Contains nine references.) (MDM)