Continuing education for teachers of early childhood education: opportunities, challenges and prospects

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research that aimed to uncover the possibilities, challenges and perspectives in continuing education verified in a municipal public Early Childhood Center in Blumenau (SC). Data collection was qualitative-oriented and conducted through continuing education meetings held within the institution during the year 2010, as well as interviews with six professionals of that institution. As possibilities, the professionals pointed out the study of practical issues arising from their work contexts, and the exercise of teacher reflection, which have allowed them to critically evaluate educational activities already practiced, and at the same time make decisions regarding their future educational activities. However, the challenges that permeate their achievement point to the extension of time and conditions under which continuing education is practiced within the Early Childhood Center. As a possible perspective to overcome those challenges, we highlight the need of taking the respoin face of a shared management of Early Childhood Education that seeks the development of effective training policies, fully and permanently consolidating the training activities developed by the institution.