Op(ge)vangen: Working towards accessibility for socially vulnerable families in childcare in a new decree context

The practice-oriented scientific research project 'Op(ge)vangen' examined the modalities of accessibility to childcare for socially vulnerable families within these new regulations. Three groups of participants took part in this action research based on their willingness and involvement: managers from group childcare via repetitive focus groups; reception parents and their service managers via semi-structured interviews and finally experts from the scientific world, civil society and policy via semi-structured interviews.

The analysis provided insight into three main fields of tension within which the childcare professional operates. The first field is that of the interpersonal relationship between the socially vulnerable parent as care applicant and the professional as organiser of care: the 'me and you'. A basic attitude of 'recognition' of the socially vulnerable parent that translates into focused positioning and communication and into appropriate pedagogical policies remains underlyingly the most important feature of a workable relationship. 
The second field in which professionals move is that of internal policy: the 'we'. This is also where the discretionary space is located: the space within which the professional can make decisions about the concrete implementation of regulations in his facility.
The third field is this of external policy, cooperation with other care facilities and organisations working with young families: the 'us and them'. The childcare professional becomes a 'social coach' in the network of local services.