Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.32903/zs.72.1.6
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE: LEGAL STANDARDS AND PRACTICAL CHALLENGES
Nataša Lucić
; Pravni fakultet Sveučilišta J. J. Strossmayera u Osijeku
Sažetak
The aim of this paper is to analyse international and national standards for the protection of children’s rights in the field of early childhood education and care, and to examine the role of children’s rights as a fundamental value-based and normative framework in shaping the system and everyday educational practice. In this regard, the paper begins with an analysis of international standards in this field through the four core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, followed by an examination of the national constitutional and legal framework, its alignment with international standards, and the challenges arising from normative complexity, ambiguity, and the practical application of regulations in the daily functioning of the early childhood education and care system.
The paper highlights the lack of clear and operational mechanisms that would make the normative framework more understandable and applicable to all stakeholders within the early childhood education and care system. It also points to the relative marginalisation of legal research in this area compared to contributions from other disciplines, as well as the need for stronger interdisciplinary synergy in analysing and addressing practical challenges. In conclusion, the paper advocates the development of clearer legal interpretations, practical procedural standards, and more systematic cooperation between the academic and professional communities in order to ensure more effective and consistent realisation of children’s rights in the early childhood education and care system.
Ključne riječi
children’s rights, education and care, legal standards, implementation challenges
Hrčak ID:
349830
URI
Datum izdavanja:
3.7.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *