Academic Chair of Childcare

The Academic Chair of Childcare is a unique collaboration between academic, public, and private partners. It is funded by Helan, i-mens, Deliva, the city of Ghent, the city of Leuven, and the Flemish agency Opgroeien. In addition to financial support, these partners are actively involved in the Chair's activities. This partnership enables Ghent University to leverage its scientific expertise to address an important social issue, fostering knowledge exchange between academia, policy, and practice.

Over the next four years, fundamental research will be conducted to explore the relationship between structural quality characteristics, such as child-to-staff ratios and the use of pedagogical coaching, and process quality aspects in childcare settings. Special attention will be given to the pedagogical and social functions of childcare. This research is embedded in the practical reality of childcare, allowing us to collaborate with the sector to develop recommendations for both practice and policy. These efforts aim to further improve the pedagogical quality of childcare, with consideration for all involved stakeholders. To support this, an advisory and valorization board will be established.

Promoter: Prof. dr. Jochen Devlieghere
Researchers: Dr. Melissa Dierckx & Shana Van de Wiele
More information: jochen.devlieghere@ugent.be
Website: https://www.ugent.be/schenken/nl/hoe-steunen/leerstoelen/leerstoel-kinderopvang