Book Review: Early childhood education in social and political transitions: The legacy of the Open Society Foundations Step by Step Program by Sarah Klaus,Jan Peeters and Tatjana Vonta

Abstract

This review examines Early Childhood Education in Social and Political Transitions: The Legacy of the Open Society Foundations Step by Step Program by Klaus, Peeters, and Vonta, a historically grounded analysis of early childhood education as a democratic and ethical project. Situating early childhood education within post-socialist, conflict-affected, and transitional contexts, the book demonstrates how pedagogy, teacher agency, and institutional culture contributed to democratic renewal. Through historical analysis, narrative inquiry, and policy reflection, the authors position early childhood institutions as spaces of participation, inclusion, and social cohesion. Despite limitations related to insider perspective, the volume offers a compelling framework for understanding early childhood education as foundational democratic infrastructure.

Keywords

democracy early childhood education inclusion social transition Step by Step Program

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