Production and Dissemination of Knowledge in Early Childhood Education in Japan:

Process of Crystallization of Ideas on Collaboration and Transition from Early Childhood Education and Care to Elementary School Education

Abstract

This study aims to examine the production and dissemination of explicit and implicit knowledge in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Japan. In addition, this study analyzes how ECEC practices, ECEC organizations, and researchers influenced institutional and administrative movements focusing on collaboration and transition between ECEC and elementary school education. We found that continuity, transition period and cooperative learning were embodied in practice and that the government adopted these ideas. In the background context, interactions among ECEC practicioners, researchers, organizations, and administrators were suggested to produce and disseminate the knowledge toward creating part of the Japanese early childhood education system.