Study sheet for early years educator training · Social pedagogy
Early years educator training flashcard: The image of the child
The child is seen as competent, active, curious and participatory. This attitude shapes how much trust, participation and experience are enabled.
Children are competent, active, curious and have rights.
Key professional terms
kompetent
Bringing abilities
aktiv
Actively shaping development
Kinderrechte
Binding rights of children
Example from early years practice
Children help design their play spaces.
Memory sentence
„The child is an active agent of their own development.“
Typical exam question
How does your image of the child affect your work?
Model answer
I trust the child, listen to their perspective and include them.
Transfer question and answer
Does a competent child need no help?
They still need support, but it should empower rather than take over.
Last professionally reviewed: 4 September 2026