Abstract

MYERS, Robert G. Notas sobre la "Calidad" de la Atención a la Infancia. Rev.latinoam.cienc.soc.niñez juv [online]. 2003, vol.1, n.1, pp.59-83. ISSN 1692-715X.

The discourse of quality is not matched by the reality of programs of early childhood in Latin America; many programs appear to be of low quality and indicators do not exist to monitor that quality. It is argued that this is in part because the concept of quality is ambiguous, relative and dynamic. In the article three possible answers are presented to the question, "How does one know of attention to early childhood is of quality?" related respectively to resources, to content and processes and to results. Three examples are presented of attempts to define quality (from Chile, Europe and Australia). A conclusion is reached that the complexity of the concept of quality must be accepted and its multiple dimensions recognized. Further, it is important to negotiate the significance of quality in specific educational communities. The process of seeking consensus on quality may be more important than the definitions that result. Judgements about the quality of programs need to consider not only the availability of resources but also the quality of educational processes and results achieved. One should extend the vision of quality of programs to incorporate potential benefits to all participants, including educational agents. A challenge exists to move qualitative observations made at the level of individual centers to a national level as part of a system of indictors for monitoring early childhood.

Keywords : Quality; Early Childhood; Indicators.

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