Network for Joint Discrimination Reduction in Early Childhood Education (GeDAB)

National Monitoring of Discrimination and Racism (NaDiRa)

Project head: Dr. Seyran Bostancı

Project team members: Kira Münsterberg

Early childhood education is often regarded as a key factor in reducing educational inequalities in post-migrant societies. However, we observe a countertrend: within the childcare system, already privileged children disproportionately benefit, while less privileged children are frequently disadvantaged. Current challenges, such as the shortage of childcare spaces and qualified professionals, exacerbate these educational disparities. Access to early childhood education is particularly restricted for children with so-called migration backgrounds, disabilities, or those from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Even when less privileged children attend daycare, they do not benefit equally from educational offerings as privileged children do - a reflection of the principle: ‘To those who have, more will be given.’

To create a childcare system with minimal disadvantages, resources and focus must be more closely aligned with the needs of all children. Expanding inclusive and discrimination-critical approaches in early childhood education is essential to ensure that all children have equitable access to, and can benefit from, educational offerings. This is the goal of our network.

Through expert dialogue forums, we will collaborate with stakeholders from politics, academia, practice, and civil society to develop evidence-based strategies for overcoming disadvantages. These strategies will be compiled into a catalog of measures to promote inclusive practices in childcare, offering practical implementation tools and policy recommendations.

Are you interested in further information or in joining the network? Then please write to us at: gedab(at)dezim-institut.de

Funding: Auridis Foundation (Third-party funding)