Από τη Φροντίδα στην Αξιολόγηση: Κοινωνικοπολιτισμικές Όψεις της Πρώιμης Παιδικής Ανάπτυξης σε συνθήκες φτώχειας και αναπηρίας


Published: Sep 29, 2025
Keywords:
early childhood parental support poverty disability assessment sociocultural approach
Στεργιανή Γκιαούρη
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2280-9172
Abstract

Early childhood is widely recognized as a critical period for laying the foundation of a child’s future cognitive, social, emotional, and academic development. At this pivotal stage, the quality of parent–child relationships and the broader family environment emerge as key determinants of developmental outcomes.


This literature review focuses on the role of parental support and the impact of poverty on the developmental trajectory and assessment of young children, viewed through a sociocultural lens. Poverty is not merely a lack of material resources but a complex social condition that affects family functioning, caregiving quality, parental expectations, and access to educational opportunities. Research consistently shows that children from low-income families are at greater risk for language delays, lower self-regulation skills, and limited social integration. Their parents often experience heightened psychological stress, depression, and social isolation—factors that undermine positive engagement in early learning processes.


Special emphasis is placed on the intersection between poverty and disability. Families raising children with developmental or functional differences often face compounded exclusion and hidden forms of inequality. These children are more vulnerable to delayed diagnoses, stigmatization, and deficit-based interpretations of their potential. The review calls for a redefinition of assessment practices in early childhood education. Standardized tools often fail to validly reflect the abilities of children from culturally and socially diverse backgrounds, leading to biased evaluations and educational marginalization.


Instead, a shift toward culturally responsive and ecosystemic approaches is proposed—approaches that acknowledge family dynamics, contextual strengths, and the protective role of supportive caregiving in fostering resilience.


In conclusion, strengthening parental involvement and recognizing the multifaceted nature of poverty and disability—not only as pedagogical but also as social challenges—are essential steps toward building a more equitable and inclusive early education system.


 

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Author Biography
Στεργιανή Γκιαούρη, Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Μακεδονίας

Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια Σχολικής Ψυχολογίας,

Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης

Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Μακεδονίας

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