The earliest years of a child’s life play a foundational role in the opportunities, experiences, and relationships they develop as adults. This course investigates the key elements of how both parents and professionals contribute to children’s socialization and development – and how those practices translate into larger cultural contexts. Exploration of concepts like parental leave, attachment, play, and nature occurs through hands-on experiences in childcare settings, and interactions with parents.
Ph.D (Education, University of Barcelona, 2022). Data analyst, Regional adm., 2007-2009. Project coordinador, Government of Catalonia, 2013-2018. Associate lecturer, University of Barcelona, 2014-2017. Teacher, Professionshøjskolen Absalon, 2023-2024. Spanish teacher, Køge Gymnasium, 2024-2025. With DIS since 2025.
Jennifer Duncan-Bendix
M.Ed. (Daycare and Primary School, Aarhus University, 2014). B.A. (Human Development and Family Studies – Early Childhood Development and Education, University of Connecticut, 2006). Assistant Program Director of Child Development and Diversity, DIS, 2014-2021. Pedagogue in the International and Danish communities in Copenhagen, 2008-2010. Interests include cross-cultural practices, discourses, and research related to how we create active and caring environments for young children. With DIS since 2007.
Long Study Tour
About this tour
On this week-long Study Tour, you have the opportunity to broaden your understanding of the ‘Nordic perspective’ on child development and education. Visits provide you with a forum to discuss and debate cultural differences within ‘best practice’ and encourage you to explore the historical, economic, and social background factors that influence the ways we work with children – both as parents and professionals. The vision for this tour is to investigate what continuously – not only in Denmark, but also worldwide – is viewed as one of the world’s best countries for families. We explore first-hand what professionals do to meet the needs of children, as well as the typical challenges and experiences for parents. By combining research, policy, and practice, we begin to uncover the foundations of the Finnish system in order to apply this knowledge to experiences in Denmark and the United States.
By treating visits as individual case studies, the tour is also supplemented with cultural visits to help integrate theories presented in classroom with observations and reflections, and set the stage for an extended study of Finnish life for families and children.
Learning outcomes
Explore why Finland has such a good reputation for both education and services for families – even among the Nordic countries
Investigate factors that contribute to how Finnish parents view their roles and responsibilities
Analyze the Finnish context for children through visits to cultural, educational, and historical sites
Possible activities
Visits to local cultural centers and play groups to meet with parents and explore the services and support available to them
Take extended visits at Finnish child care centers to gain insight into the routines of these programs
Actively experience the impact of nature on Finnish (and Nordic) views of childhood through visits to a nature education center
Looking for some advice? We’ll support you every step of the way.
