Avaliação da participação de organizações da sociedade civil no gerenciamento de creches parceiras em Fortaleza

Abstract

This research, entitled “Evaluation of the Participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Management of Partner Daycare Centers in Fortaleza,” is part of the Public Policy Evaluation research line of the Master’s Program in Public Policy Evaluation (MAPP) at the Federal University of Ceará. Its general objective is to investigate how the policy for expanding enrollment in the municipality of Fortaleza is structured to serve children aged 0 to 3 years through partnerships with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The participants in the study are pedagogical coordinators from Partner Daycare Centers representing five Education Districts, considering that in all regional districts there are daycare centers managed by CSOs in partnership with the Municipality of Fortaleza. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach and uses Thematic Analysis as the data analysis technique, as it is the most appropriate method for exploring and interpreting the richness of qualitative data generated through questionnaires. This approach allows for the identification of patterns, themes, and meanings in participants’ perceptions regarding partnerships in daycare management and the provision of enrollment for children aged 1 to 3 years. The research also highlights that, more important than increasing the number of available places, is ensuring children’s right to the three fundamental principles of early childhood education, as established by the National Curriculum Guidelines: ethical, political, and aesthetic principles. Ethical principles relate to autonomy, solidarity, and respect; political principles to citizenship and democracy; and aesthetic principles to creativity, playfulness, and diverse artistic and cultural expressions. The results revealed that although most participating coordinators described the partnership as well structured, some defined it as “poorly structured and with some obstacles.” This variation indicates that, although most perceive the partnership as operational, there are still gaps to be addressed. Therefore, it is concluded that partnerships between the public sector and CSOs play an important role in expanding the provision of early childhood education for children aged 1 to 3 years. Despite facing challenges, the provision of places through these partnerships strengthens the right to education and the social development of the children served. The theoretical framework is based on contributions from several authors regarding the legal duty to guarantee access to education for children aged 1 to 3 years. Special emphasis is given to Rosemberg (2009), who states that with the Federal Constitution of 1988, a series of conceptual and social changes emerged, including a new conception of childhood as citizenship, recognizing children as holders of rights. This new conception is highlighted as the central moment of the legal changes achieved over time. The evaluation of these partnerships provides relevant information, promoting transparency and accountability of CSOs in the management of daycare centers.