The aim of this study was to map the diverse possible positions one can adopt towards professional competence profiles and competence profiles for initial training as well as towards the relations between them. Consequently, the countries mentioned in this study, are given as examples of the diversity of possible positions, rather than pretending to be representative.
This report is based on a cross-national survey about “professional competence profiles” and “competence profiles in initial training”. Countries included in our analysis are Belgium (Flemish and French speaking Communities), Croatia (as a candidate state), Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
In each of these countries, one or more experts were selected (in the case of Greece, only EADAP) for their long standing expertise in the field of early childhood education, as well as for their knowledge of both legislation and practice. The reports of these experts, served as the raw data for this study.
Particular attention was attached to those themes that highlighted the diversity of approaches, rather than to generalizations about similarities.