The project ISOTIS, funded by the European Union within the Horizon2020 program, has just begun. ISOTIS is a continuation of the CARE-project (European Union 7th Framework Programme, grant agreement 613318; www.ecec-care.org ) and involves many of the former CARE-partners. CARE addressed curriculum, quality and impact of early childhood education and care in Europe. ISOTIS expands on CARE by including the primary school phase and by focusing more specifically on the role of early and primary education in tackling inequality and exclusion.

We are currently working on questionnaires for a large-scale interview study, in 10 countries, of families who often suffer from disadvantage because of their immigrant, ethnic minority or working class background. In many respects this study reflects the positive mission of ISOTIS: giving voice to European citizens who, for some reason, are not participating in current societies in ways that fulfill their potentials and ambitions. Central questions are: how can we explain social inequality and exclusion, and what are the mechanisms of education and service systems that reproduce inequality and tend to exclude parts of the population?

We will speak with many parents and children to understand their perspectives. We want to talk with them about their experiences as citizens in societies that struggle with increasing cultural diversification. We want to find out about the mobility aspirations of parents and children, and learn about the cultural and linguistic resources they bring to preschool, school and society.

Even more important is the question: how can we tackle current inequality and exclusion? We will examine approaches within education and support services that help to create inclusive societies and to prevent early disadvantages in early stage. We will focus on new educational technologies and models of service coordination that hold promise for better intercultural communication, stronger partnerships between families and schools, respectful multilingual and multicultural policies at (pre)school and in society, and for empowering social support for children and families.

Building on the strengths and cultural resources of families and communities is the backbone of the social action that we want to initiate. Creating an inclusive society with an inclusive and effective education and support system: this seems a most promising strategy to tackle persistent inequalities. Join us!

Paul Leseman

ISOTIS Coordinator