The types of work of early childhood education and care professionals: an interactive perspective

ABSTRACT In this study, we reconstruct the types of work performed by early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals working with children up to three years of age from an interactional perspective. The theoretical framework of the investigation is social organization of work defined by Strauss and colleagues in regard to medical sector. Analysis of thematic narrative interviews with caregivers focusing on their interactions with children and their parents revealed six types of interactional work carried out by caregivers: information work, relation work, emotion work, safety work, child development work and professional identity work. Dilemmas inscribed in each type of work are discussed in reference to potential practical and policy implications.