What does participation mean for children aged under 3?

Research has shown that quality provisions (0-6) can have a positive effect on children’s development (Unicef, 2008, Nesse, 2009, EACA, 2009). In 1992, Belgium has ratified the Convention on the rights of the Child that mentions each child has the right to express his opinion, to be heard in all matters that concern his life. More globally rights to take part, to “participate” have been recognized to every child since birth. But the obstacles to give a voice to children who are often considered as having any are numerous: the risk to consider them like an “object” of care is higher when the children are under 3.
The workshop has proposed to explore and question the nature and the extent of participation for those children that are taken care in ECEC services (out of their families). What has been central was questioning participation of little ones, proposing an analysis of selected literature, discussions on how to sustain professionals to see children as actors in everyday life.