¿Cómo se aborda la educación para el desarrollo sostenible en educación parvularia en Chile?

Abstract

The study aims to assess sustainable practices in early childhood education. We observed classrooms in institutions with different administrative dependencies, located in the North, Center and South of Chile using the adaptation of the Environmental Rating Scale for Sustainable Development in Early Childhood. The scale was applied to 36 early childhood educators, obtaining 93 records. The results in the dimensions of social, economic, and environmental sustainability were compared according to educational level, administrative dependency, and geographical location of the establishment. The pedagogical practices in the dimensions of social and economic sustainability revealed poor results, close to 2 out of a maximum of 5, finding markedly asymmetric distributions (SAC > 1.96). Additionally, the usability of the scale for remote work contexts was explored, determining some irrelevant items. Likewise, through the analysis of interviews with educators and directors of preschool institutions, the definitions associated with sustainability practices were identified. We found less knowledge on issues such as gender approach, social justice, economic training, although the importance of working on these themes was recognized, accepting that it is in this vital period of childhood when values and social awareness of sustainability can be promoted.