Project SprachHabitus

Language Learning Programs in the Professionalization of Early Childhood Educators

Over the past several years there has been a radical change in the early childhood education system and in the expectations of early childhood educators. Due to structural changes in the system, daycare centers have assumed new social functions such as integrating children with a migration background, which involves providing them with language training. Consequently, the job specifications of early childhood educators have expanded to include supporting children with their development of language skills.

To determine whether language support programs are being implemented effectively in daycare centers with a large number of children with a migration background, the research team of the SprachHabitus project investigates how educators respond to the programs and integrate them in their daily work. Using qualitative and quantitative methods of collecting data, namely interviews with experts, participant observation, videography, and standardized questionnaires, the team identifies the various organizational and professional practices of early childhood educators.