QualFDC objectives were to identify and explore effective approaches to developing competent multi-level systems in FDC governance and quality management, enabling professionalisation and workforce development, and generating FDC recruitment and retention strategies, to strengthen FDC; share the learning with target groups and stakeholders responsible for multi-level policymaking and VET infrastructures, to influence policy objectives and actions; increase the capacity of partner organisations to advocate for effective policies and practices that enable high-quality FDC systems and services, and explore further partnerships opportunities and ways to engage family day carers in EU cooperation and learning activities. QualFDC aimed to add value to the European Commission’s 2021 publication, Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC): How to Recruit, Train and Motivate Well-Qualified Staff because the project complements and extends the Commission’s report, providing findings and interesting practices, building the capacity of the partner organisations to engage in cross-border cooperation and networking.
FDC services are a key part of the ECEC system but there is limited information on it. Attending ECEC can promote long-term positive life outcomes, when it is of high quality, and policy change can improve quality (Meluish & Gardner, 2019). Quality in provision increases when staff are available in sufficient numbers, and are well-qualified, educated, and motivated to stay in the profession (European Commission, 2021). Ireland, Flanders & Denmark have different FDC models and common and separate challenges in their FDC systems. Common challenges are workforce recruitment and retention; limited qualification requirements; and limited access to training and professional development, impacting workforce capacity to meet vulnerable children’s needs. National challenges include: the competence of municipal governance to deliver consistently high service quality and deliver FDC access to vulnerable children (Denmark); a workforce with poor pay and conditions (Flanders, Ireland); Invisible and unregulated FDC and no training or pedagogical support (Ireland). QualFDC provided robust learning, cooperation and networking opportunities for partners, targets and stakeholders because of our commonalities and differing challenges and strengths.