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Simone Kirpal
process with the youngest citizens, the children, the principles of open societies are instilled in the next generation. Child-centered classrooms promote democratic principles and inspire life-long learners who are able to succeed in open societies (Hansen, Kaufmann, and Saifer 1997). Cultural Context
Step by Step emphasizes change and democratic transformation, based on the experience of countries in transition, and addresses the continuing challenge for all democracies to provide the kinds of educational experiences that ensure continuation of open and free societies. Step by Step’s child-centered philosophy is based on the work of international theorists in early childhood education (Erikson, Piaget, Vygotsky, Dewey) and is universally applicable when adapted to local cultural circumstances. The core program components are family and community partnership, individualization of the learning process, active learning, selfinitiative, self-efficacy and empowerment, shared control, freedom of thought and speech, and respect for differences and similarities. These components are especially relevant for the countries where the program is being implemented initially (in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, Mongolia, Haiti, and South Africa). These countries have strong traditions of teacher-centered education and are struggling to make the transition to democratic societies during a time of enthusiasm for educational reforms, tempered by harsh realities. The realities include sharp economic declines regionally; decreased social services (including early childhood programs); reduced state services for training teachers; professional isolation from Western pedagogical trends; closing of preschool facilities, due to lack of financing; and reduced funding for the remaining preschools, resulting in a reduction in national nutrition and health programs, inadequate education materials, a crumbling infrastructure, and delays in paying staff salaries. Step by Step has sought to build on the strength of previously existing systems by “opening up� their structures to community and