The monograph consists of ten chapters that explore key areas of quality in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The first chapter discusses the development and influence of preschool teacher education in Slovenia. The second chapter presents models of professional development for preschool teachers, emphasizing lifelong learning. In the third chapter, research findings reveal that preschool teachers are generally satisfied with available professional development programs. The fourth chapter examines cooperation with parents, comparing Slovene, Swedish, and Finnish kindergarten curricula. The fifth chapter addresses the importance of equal opportunities for development in a participatory pedagogical approach. The sixth chapter provides an empirical example of child participation during meals in kindergarten. The seventh chapter focuses on the significance of teachers' resilience in the context of inclusion. The eighth chapter discusses the competencies required for preschool teachers to effectively educate immigrant children, reflecting the increasing diversity in classrooms. The final two chapters tackle specific challenges in preschool education, including the didactics of music and the measurement of contemporary concepts in ECEC, particularly mindfulness.
Sonja Čotar Konrad Libri


Teacher, Professional Development, Initial Teacher Education, Contiuous Teacher Development, Competences, Family, Self-Regulation, Inclusion, Metacognition