Freire-Ribeiro, IldaMesquita, ElzaSanches, Angelina2025-07-292025-07-292024Freire-Ribeiro, I., Mesquita, E., Sanches, A. (2024). The need for adequate initial training for professionals in early childhood education. In The future of early childhood education. Hauppauge: Nova Publisher, p. 183–201.http://hdl.handle.net/10198/34690This study focuses on a documentary analysis of early childhood educator training programs within the Portuguese context, specifically those offered by a higher education institution located in the northeastern region of mainland Portugal. This focus is justified by the significant evolution observed over time, from the program’s inception in 1986, through the implementation of the Bologna Process (initiated in 1999), up to the present day, concerning the year 2023. Based on documentary evidence, the analysis highlights a solid initial training framework for future professionals in this field. The findings indicate that, in the past, early childhood teacher education was generally less structured and primarily centered on practical skills. However, as the understanding of child development and research on the importance of early childhood education progressed, there was a corresponding increase in theoretical content and the acquisition of more specialized competencies. In terms of knowledge dissemination, this analysis is considered essential for the scientific community, as it also focuses on the evaluation of initial teacher training programs, aiming to ensure the quality of education provided within the field of early childhood education.engInitial trainingEarly childhood educationProfessional competenciesDocument analysisbook part