Collaboration Among Early Childhood Professionals in Higher Education
Abstract
Collaboration among professionals is promoted in various disciplines. In the context of this literature review, I define collaboration as an ongoing multidimensional process that includes interaction, time commitment, the exchange of expertise, and the maintenance of a professional working relationship with stakeholders to promote best outcomes. There is an absence of collaboration among early childhood professionals: those supporting children and families and those in higher education. The absence of collaboration among early childhood professionals is a disservice to children, their families, and future early childhood professionals. Early childhood professionals in higher education have an ethical obligation to collaborate with one another to promote skills, knowledge, and pedagogical practices that will produce graduates of the highest quality. A consequence of collaboration is that graduates will be better prepared to make the greatest possible difference by supporting children and their families to achieve equal outcomes and well-being.
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