ECEC PROFESSIONALISATION AT A CROSSROAD : REALIZING AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM IN TIME OF REFORMS IN ITALY

In Italy, the issue of initial preparation and continuing professional development (CPD) of early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce has become a particularly contentious issue in the light of the recent reform on the institution of the integrated ECEC system from birth up to six years. The article will critically review the historical evolution of the two different university degrees for the professional preparation of early childhood educators and pre-school teachers and will reflect on its implications for ensuring pedagogical continuity across the 0-6 sector.