Quality of educational experiences in childcare services: A survey on parents’ perceptions in the city of Padova, Italy

In ECEC services, treating quality as negotiated fosters reflective practice among both educators and parents. Parents’ participation constitutes an important aspect, as parents and educators are co-responsible for children’s development. This exploratory study investigates parents’ perceptions of ‘quality’ in childcare and the educational experiences offered to children. A questionnaire was administered to parents whose children attend nurseries in educational services in the city of Padova (Italy). Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse the data. Findings highlight the aspects that parents consider most important in educational experiences, and the aspects to which less value is attached. Notably, parents attached less importance to including documentation, parental participation, and territorial involvement. Based on the results obtained, the wider doctoral project to which this study belongs aims to promote the involvement of parents in reflecting on the quality elements of educational experiences.