Intergenerational Programs in Early Childhood Education: An Innovative Approach that Highlights Inclusion and Engagement with Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Interest to engage older adults in early childhood education (ECE) programs is growing. Although still relatively new, intergenerational engagement is an innovative practice that could alter the way in which ECE is approached. This article explores intergenerational ECE programs and discusses the wide variety of benefits that intergenerational engagement brings to both children and older adults. This article examines existing intergenerational programs inside and outside of ECE to demonstrate how elements of those programs could inform intergenerational ECE programs. Drawing on lessons learned, we discuss challenges and present recommendations for development and implementation of future similar programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Early childhood education (ECE)
• intergenerational engagement
• inclusion
• children

Notes

1. Throughout this article, we refer to individuals above the age of 60 years as older adults (– see Avers, Brown, Chui, Wong, & Lusardi, 2011).

2. The International Consortium for Intergenerational Programs was organized in 1999, based in The Netherlands it aims to bring together policy makers, academics, and practitioners to promote intergenerational practice. strengthen communities.

3. All the information from this section, unless cited otherwise, is drawn from personal communications with the center and a fact sheet they provide to interested parties.