The Islamic University of Gaza recently concluded the activities of the second day of the international conference titled “Early Childhood on a Changing World: Visions and Experiences.” In collaboration with Hebron University and the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), the conference aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange and discussions among experts, institutions, and professionals in the field of early childhood education.
The conference delved into various aspects of early childhood education, with a focus on contemporary experiences in education and learning. Topics covered included environmental education, experiential learning, and service-learning. Additionally, the conference dedicated sessions to the management and leadership aspects of early childhood education. Participants examined national policies, legislation, and the challenges faced by early childhood institutions in Palestine. Future visions for the preparation and qualification of directors and caregivers were discussed, along with strategies for building community partnerships and safeguarding children’s rights within the framework of Islamic and situational legislation.
Experts presented research on diverse subjects within the field of early childhood psychology. These studies explored areas such as talent and creativity, teaching critical thinking, addressing behavioral and emotional issues in young children, successful intervention strategies, and approaches to caring for children with special needs. Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children and combating violence against them were also key topics of discussion.
The second day commenced with a dialogue session involving directors, teachers, and supervisors from kindergartens, as well as experts from Hebron University, the University of USN, and the Islamic University.
Conference sessions
The conference comprised five scientific sessions held over two consecutive days. In the first session, Dr. Iyad Al-Dajani chaired the proceedings, where presenters discussed topics such as the Montessori approach in kindergartens, transforming education into active and interactive learning, analyzing kindergarten evidence based on educational philosophy, and indicators of reading and writing difficulties from the perspective of preschool teachers in Gaza.
Second session
The second session, chaired by Dr. Kamal Makhameh from Hebron University, explored the leadership skills of early childhood stage directors, sustainability in Swedish early childhood education, technological progress’s impact on kindergarten teachers’ professional competencies, building partnerships with local community institutions, and obstacles to collaborative relationships between kindergartens and the local community.
Third session
The third session, chaired by Dr. Nazmi Al-Masri, delved into the role of laws and systems in promoting access to knowledge and services for children with disabilities and their parents, children’s rights and child law in Germany, the educational footprint in mental health and psychosocial support, and the challenges faced by Palestinian children with disabilities in Gaza during the COVID crisis.
Fourth session
In the fourth session, chaired by Dr. Adham Al-Balouji, topics included global early childhood standards among kindergarten teachers in the Gaza Strip, contemporary challenges faced by kindergartens in the southern governorates of Palestine, change management requirements in Jerusalem’s kindergarten institutions, and managing early childhood institutions in the southern governorates of Palestine.
Fifth session
The fifth practical session, chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Al-Masri from Hebron University, explored teachers’ roles in fostering creativity among kindergarten children, the readiness of first-grade students for reading and writing, psychological pressures, and their impact on professional compatibility among kindergarten teachers in the Gaza Strip.
The international conference provided a platform for researchers, educators, and professionals to exchange ideas and experiences, contributing to the advancement of early childhood education in an ever-evolving world.
