Dissertation: One-year-olds actively shape their transition into early childhood education and care (Lucas Revilla)
What did you study?
Starting early childhood education is often seen as something that happens to children. This dissertation examined how one-year-old children themselves took part in shaping their transition from home care to early childhood education and care (ECEC).
The study followed five one-year-old children during their first months in ECEC, using video-recorded observations collected over seven months. Rather than focusing on adults’ views, the research closely examined children’s everyday actions and interactions with teachers, peers, parents, and materials.
What were the results of your study?
The results show that one-year-olds are not merely adapting to predetermined norms and routines. Through their interactions they actively influence how the transition unfolds.
Children sought closeness with teachers, explored materials and places, initiated contact with peers, and negotiated access to objects such as toys. Through these everyday actions, they contributed to reshaping norms, routines, relationships, and spatial arrangements within the ECEC setting.
The study also shows that behaviours such as crying, clinging to adults, or withdrawing should not be seen only as signs of distress. These embodied actions are meaningful ways for very young children to communicate, participate, and shape their environment.
How can the results be applied?
The research offers a new way of understanding the transition from home to ECEC — not as a one-directional process of adaptation, but as a dialectical process shaped together by children and the ECEC space.
Recognising one-year-olds as active participants can help educators develop more sensitive and flexible transition practices. Paying close attention to children’s initiatives, allowing adaptable routines, and thoughtfully using space and materials can support children’s well-being, participation, and sense of belonging.
MA Yaiza Lucas Revilla doctoral dissertation in education “One-year-olds transition from home care to early childhood education and care: A relational, socio-spatial exploration” public examination will be held on Friday 15.5.2026 at 12 in Jyväskylä University Ruusupuisto building D101 Juho. Opponent: Doctor professor Christina Huf (University of Münster). Custos: professor Niina Rutanen (Jyväskylä University).
Language of the defence: English
Streaming link: https://r.jyu.fi/dissertation-lucas-revilla-150526
Contact: yaiza.y.lucas-revilla@student.jyu.fi
