Proceedings of The 8th International Conference on Research in Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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The Holistic Approach to The Inclusion of Immigrant Children in Slovenian Kindergartens and Schools
Dr. Katica Pevec Semec
ABSTRACT:
In Slovenian kindergartens and schools, we are facing an increasing number of children who have difficulties integrating into the educational process due to different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Numerous factors influence the success of integration, including the method of implementing the pedagogical process and the attitudes of educational staff. In response to the needs and capabilities of immigrant children and based on empirical findings about their experiences, the quality of education, and negative attitudes towards immigrant children, a comprehensive support concept for integrating immigrant children into kindergartens and schools was developed. The paper presents the results of a study that examined teachers’ perspectives on the importance of a holistic approach to integrating immigrant children and the challenges faced by teachers, principals, parents, and non-teaching staff. The study included 209 educational staff from kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools. The research followed the principles of qualitative educational research with an analysis of open coding data. The results show that educational staff place great importance on an individualized approach for each child and promoting an inclusive environment that allows for the learning and development of all children, regardless of their linguistic backgrounds. Among the challenges of the inclusive approach for teachers, principals, non-teaching staff, and parents are often communication and language barriers, lack of cultural awareness, and a lack of trust and knowledge among parents, educational staff, principals, and other employees in kindergartens and schools.
keywords: : communication; environment; participation, professional development