school education in day care and schools and to build a seamless transition from day care to
school.
In addition, the Stakes produced a brochure entitled Pre-school Education in 1996, dealing
with the principles governing the provision of pre-school education intended for all children
under school age. The brochure is primarily intended as a basis for discussions for parents
and children.
On the whole, the operating strategies of early childhood education and care have become
increasingly outward-oriented and more open. In terms of pedagogy, there has been a development
from an adult-driven to a child-focused approach, which lays emphasis on each
child’s subject status and individuality as well as on the peer group as an important initiator
of the child’s growth process.
Until now, children have been able to participate in systematic pre-school education in daycare
centres, family day care, or within parishes and various organisations, private bodies
and the school administration, prior to the beginning of compulsory education. Depending
on the providing body, the quality and quantity of pre-school education have varied consi-
derably. The pre-school reform to be implemented as from the year 2000 August will bring
more integrity to activities for six-year-olds. The reform is presented in more detail in
Chapter 12.