Sweden's education system is widely known for its excellent quality and emphasis on early childhood education. The Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) is responsible for developing and implementing the national curriculum for all levels of education in the country, including the pre-school level. The latest version of the curriculum for pre-school education is known as "Läroplan för förskolan LPFÖ 18" (Curriculum for the Preschool 2018).

What is LPFÖ 18?

LPFÖ 18 is the latest version of the national curriculum for pre-school education in Sweden. It was introduced in July 2018 and is currently in use in all pre-schools in the country. The curriculum is designed to provide guidelines for pre-school teachers and educators on what children should learn and how they should learn it, in order to promote their development and well-being.

Objectives of LPFÖ 18

The objectives of LPFÖ 18 are to:

• Provide a safe, secure and inclusive environment for children to learn and develop.
• Promote children's physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
• Foster a love for learning and curiosity in children.
• Encourage children to explore and discover their environment.
• Develop children's language, communication and literacy skills.
• Encourage children to express themselves creatively and artistically.
• Promote children's understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives.
• Encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.

Structure of LPFÖ 18

LPFÖ 18 is divided into seven areas of learning and development:

• Language and communication
• Mathematics
• Nature, science and technology
• Society and culture
• Creative expression
• Movement and health
• Values and ethics

Each area of learning and development is further divided into sub-areas and goals. The goals are not intended to be a checklist for teachers, but rather a guide to help them plan and assess their teaching based on the individual needs and interests of each child.

Implementation of LPFÖ 18

LPFÖ 18 is not a prescriptive curriculum, but rather a framework for pre-school teachers and educators to use as a guide for their teaching. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of play-based learning and encourages teachers to create a learning environment that is child-centered, supportive and inclusive. Teachers are also encouraged to work in partnership with parents and guardians to promote the development and well-being of each child.

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment and evaluation are important components of LPFÖ 18. Teachers are expected to observe and document each child's learning and development over time, and to use this information to plan future teaching and learning activities. Assessment is not intended to be a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that involves regular communication and feedback between teachers, parents, and children.

Conclusion

LPFÖ 18 is an important document for pre-school education in Sweden. It provides a framework for teachers and educators to promote the development and well-being of children in their care, and emphasizes the importance of play-based learning, inclusion, and partnership with parents and guardians. By following the guidelines set out in LPFÖ 18, pre-schools in Sweden can provide a high-quality educational experience for children that prepares them for success in their future education and beyond.

Related video of Läroplan för förskolan LPFÖ 18