Being the outsider: A systematic review of the links between migrant families and early childhood education and care centres

Families of migrant origin face multiple challenges, including the incorporation of their children into a new education system. Although previous research has examined the relationship between migrant families and early childhood education and care centres, the focus has primarily been on the school level, relegating the significance of early childhood education and care to a secondary position. The purpose of this study is to systematically review research findings that specifically address the relationship between migrant families and early childhood education and care centres. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted of articles indexed in the Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO databases, published between 2013 and 2023. The final sample comprised 51 articles. The analysis identified three key dimensions: (1) the participation of migrant families in early childhood education and care centres; (2) cultural tensions and experiences of discrimination; and (3) practices and positive experiences that promote intercultural early childhood education and care.