As produções sobre a trajetória e qualidade dos Centros Municipais de Educação Infantil (CMEIs) em Goiânia-GO

Abstract

The study analyzes the trajectory and quality of the Municipal Early Childhood Education Centers (CMEIs) in Goiânia, examining how public policies for early childhood are materialized within these institutions. Based on a bibliographic review, it discusses the historical evolution of the concept of childhood—from the perception of children as “mini adults” to their current recognition as subjects of rights—according to national and international legal frameworks. The survey conducted in the CAPES Journals Portal and the BDTD revealed a scarcity of research specifically focused on the CMEIs of Goiânia and highlighted recurring challenges such as precarization, the closure of units, and the influence of neoliberal policies. The selected studies were organized into four main axes: quality and pedagogical work; public policies and legislation; the right to Early Childhood Education; and institutional management. The findings indicate legal progress but also reveal gaps related to infrastructure, equity, funding, children’s voices, and teacher training. Additionally, it presents updated data from the municipal network, which comprises 146 CMEIs serving approximately 30,000 children, and reinforces the lack of studies on the historical trajectory of these institutions. It concludes that, although essential to child development, the CMEIs of Goiânia remain under-investigated, underscoring the need for research that can support effective public policies committed to the right to Early Childhood Education