The project is funded by the Erasmus+ program, referred to as IAS, which stands for 'Increasing accessibility of integrated Early Childhood Education and Care services (IAS).' A total of five countries participated in the project: Belgium, Finland, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia. The project period lasted from 2018 to 2021. More information about IAS can be found at: IAS

The goal of IAS is to facilitate the exchange of experiences and ideas among professionals, practitioners, and researchers on how to enhance the accessibility of integrated services for families with young children. The exchange of ideas and inspiring best practices occurs at two levels:

1) The relationship between professionals/services and families

Supporting professionals in creating an inclusive environment and handling all types of families in a caring manner (e.g., by establishing open meeting spaces). Enhancing the skills of staff in interdisciplinary collaboration. Promoting the social work approach as a framework to empower families. Integrating multiple services (e.g., social, healthcare, childcare/school, voluntary organizations) to address the needs of families.

2 )  Role of the decision-makers

Support decision-makers in identifying relevant indicators and outcome measures for improved accessibility of integrated ECEC services, taking into account families and their perspectives.

Facilitate the availability of services for all.

The project aimed to elaborate on these two points at the local, national, and European levels. To achieve these two main objectives, IAS partners will visit integrated ECEC services in each partner organization's country.

Research partners

Belgium:  VBJK; Kind en Gezin; EXPOO
Finland:   THL
Norway:  University of Tromso
Poland:   University Mikolaya Kopernika
Slovenia: MALA ULICA

Country Rapport (Norway)