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Research topic/Aim: This study aims to increase knowledge about the occupational role of childcare workers in relation to special support. The focus is on the division of labor and jurisdiction — that is, which occupational group childcare workers believe controls the work area and thus has authority over it. It also examines how childcare workers describe children in need of special support, and what this support might entail. The study therefore focuses on childcare workers' views regarding the division of labor and jurisdiction between themselves, preschool teachers and special educators when working with children who are perceived to be in need of special support (cf. Abbott, 1988). 

Theoretical framework: A professional theory based primarily on Abbott (1988) is employed to understand the role and work of childcare workers, particularly in light of Abbott's reasoning concerning jurisdictional control and division of expert labor.

As the study also focuses on childcare workers' perceptions, it is important to consider different perspectives on special educational needs. In this study, the concepts 'categorical' and 'relational' perspectives (Persson, 1998), are used to investigate childcare workers’ views on special need.

Methodological design: This qualitative study will collect data through focus group discussions with childcare workers. The four key areas to be discussed are: 1) Views on children in need of special support; 2) The division of labor within the work team between preschool teachers and childcare workers; 3) The division of labor with other professional categories, e.g. special educators; 4) Collaboration with guardians.

Expected results/findings: The study is currently in the analysing process. Some tentative findings show that the division of labor between childcare workers and preschool teachers is unclear, although preschool teachers are held to a higher standard of responsibility. Childcare workers have great confidence in their ability to recognise when children need support.

Relevance to Nordic educational research: Previous studies which encompasses various occupational groups indicate that there are similarities in the Nordic preschool context (Hännikäinen, 2016; Løvgren, 2016). Even though childcare workers, or equivalent, are the fastest-growing occupational group in preschools, relatively little research has been conducted in the Nordic countries (Semelius Granevald, 2025).