Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the professional practices in Special Education and Professional Guidance in the Early Childhood Education Service of the Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica. Through qualitative methodology, a phenomenological method, semi-structured interviews were conducted to 17 professionals, and the information was analyzed with ATLAS.ti 23. The results were organized into administrative and pedagogical practices. It was identified that, depending on the institution, there are differences in the admission progress, organization, and functioning of the service. On the pedagogical side, the study addresses curricular focus, strategies, planning, evaluation, and possibilities for interdisciplinary work. It can be concluded that the participants recognize the administrative procedures and that the pedagogical practices must be adapted to the individual characteristics, the involvement of the educational community is required to achieve the objectives of Early Childhood Education.

Keywords:
early childhood; special needs education; professional guidance; teaching practice