Comprehensive program on inclusive early childhood education at a conference for preschool staff
A conference on inclusive early childhood education was held on Preschool Day on Feb. 6, where researchers, preschool directors and staff shared the latest research and development projects focusing on social skills, multilingualism, play and linguistic development in Reykjavík preschools.
About 2,000 people are estimated to have participated, with nearly 1,000 attending in person at Háskólabíó and around 1,000 watching the livestream. A recording of the conference is available at the bottom of this article.
The program began with a musical opening led by Harpa Þorvaldsdóttir on piano. Ólafur Brynjar Bjarkason then welcomed guests and opened the conference. Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir also addressed attendees, speaking about the importance of early childhood education and improving working conditions at these essential workplaces.
Fostering a community of active communication
The first presentation was delivered by Dr. Fríða Bjarney Jónsdóttir, MEMM coordination manager at the Ministry of Education and Children, who discussed the importance of preschools acting as communities that foster open communication for all children and their parents. She emphasized that well-organized, inclusive learning environments promote both Icelandic and children's native languages while fostering a positive self-image in multilingual children.
The importance of active participation in play
Staff from Ösp preschool – Preschool Director Halldóra Sigtryggsdóttir, Anna Sendrowska and Dusanka Mackic‑Pataki – presented an action research study on children's participation in play in a multicultural environment. The research showed that active staff participation in children's play promotes expanded vocabulary, meaningful communication and equal opportunities for all children in early childhood education.
Strengthening connections by recognizing diverse experiences
Dr. Björn Rúnar Egilsson, assistant professor at the University of Iceland's School of Education, discussed research on the attitudes of parents and preschool teachers toward a family's sense of belonging in preschool communities. He reported on how daily communication, community participation, and recognition of parents' diverse experiences can build stronger ties between homes and preschools.
Using song lyrics and music to enhance language comprehension
Guðmundur Sigurþórsson, project manager for music at Sunnuás, presented the project "Let's Talk About Lyrics," where song lyrics and music are used strategically to enhance language comprehension, phonological awareness and children's interest in language and creativity. Erna Aðalsteinsdóttir, head of division at Gullborg preschool, then discussed the "magic of preschool" – the joy, creativity and importance of staff being active in play and daily interactions.
The conference was organized by representatives from the Department of Education & Youth, the University of Iceland's School of Education, the Association of Preschool Teachers and the Association of Preschool Directors.
