Influences and potential effects of familial and institutional conditions on the individual development of children in the first six years of life are examined. The aim is to (further) develop effective support approaches for various educational contexts, such as the family and daycare settings.
About
The individual development of children in early educational contexts, such as the family and daycare centre, is a core component of this research unit. A particular focus is on effective educational and support approaches for children in the first six years of life. Key research questions are:
- What impact do familial and institutional conditions have on the individual development of children in the first years of life?
- What are effective approaches to support early childhood education across different settings?
- How can the pedagogical process and interaction quality in daycare settings be further developed?
- What strengthens the professional competencies of (early) educational professionals?
- How can collaboration between daycare centres and families with different backgrounds suceed?
- How can digital media be used as a resource?
- How can the transition from daycare centre to primary school be successful?
Research addressing these questions combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to generate application-oriented basic knowledge and jointly develope transfer concepts. Based on the needs of pedagogical practice and to support individual early childhood development, this unit develops practice-oriented materials and trainings for educational professionals, creates approaches to parental education, and provides digital support services (apps, platforms, etc.).
Department
Education and Human Development
The department analyses individual and differential developmental processes in both formal and non-formal learning environments, adding an individual perspective to the DIPF’s scope of research.