Prácticas de inclusión para niñas y niños migrantes en educación inicial: Un caso de estudio en la Región Metropolitana, Chile

Abstract

The increase in the presence of migrant children in early childhood educational centers allows a large part of the classrooms to be characterized by cultural diversity. Consequently, new needs emerge and inclusion practices of migrant children are presented as a challenge for teachers. The aim of this case study is to explore inclusion practices for migrant children in an early childhood education center in Chile. The technique used to collect data was semi-structured interviews with the principal of the center, the early childhood teachers and the teaching assistants.  The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed through thematic analysis. The results are grouped into four categories: adaptations in the classroom that respond to the cultural diversity of migrant children; the link between the educational center and migrant families; professional training on inclusion and interculturality; and finally, factors that stress the inclusion practices of migrant children. The need for professional training is discussed, focusing on the need for inclusive practices from an intercultural perspective that allows for intentional educational work with children and families of migrant origin, as well as the importance of addressing these problems as both a political and social responsibility.