Parents and Educators : What are the components that govern a succesful partnership in childcare settings?

The purpose of this study was to explore the components, whether these are behaviours, qualities, skills or practical applications that govern a successful and optimal ECEC partner- ship. The theoretical framework of this study was centred on ECEC partnership and its fundamental principles. This study employed a qualitative research method to elaborate a web-based questionnaire and analyse the obtained data. This methodology assists in facilitating the interpretation of the data in order to achieve the purpose of this study in the most factual and trustworthy way and to provide the reader credible, believable and relevant results. Moreover, this study used an abductive reasoning approach to producing and building new antecedents and explanations to the respondents’ answers to the open-ended questions. The content analysis of 28 written responses produced a total of 99 discrete observations across the data set. The Web-based questionnaire was carried out through an online survey. The questionnaire was served to six participants, three educators, and three parents. The response rate was 100%. Researchers Hedeen, Moses, and Peter (2011, 1) propose, “All parents can and should participate meaningfully in their children ́s education.” Also, according to Deyell-Gindgold (2008), Maxwell and Eller in 1994 depicted that when educators and parents agree on a philosophy of education, children usually adjust more easily and feel more secure in their new environment if their parents support the educators and the school practices. The finding supported the defined concept of the ECEC partnership in Finland and to a great extent the partnership defined by the terms trust, respect, and equality. The relationship between parents and educators was observed the central aspect promote children ́s balanced growth, development, learning and the level of shared thinking, inquiry, ideas, concerns, and questions. However, creating a successful partnership takes time and effort as well as involving responsibility and creative collaboration on both sides (Venninen & Purola 2013, 48-49; NCCA 2009, 7; Bickley 2008, 1). What partnership does really mean? Bidmead et al. (2002, 259) state, “ECEC Partnership is the true power sharing relationship based on mutual respect, a non-judgmental attitude, honesty, flexibility, and negotiation of every step of the partner- ship process. Finally, parents and educators’ education, overall training programs, employee training program and further research are highly recommended