This paper is based on an early childhood education development project in the Helsinki Metropolitan
area Finland. Development in 21 research day care centres was implemented by reflective practices
within everyday activities. Therefore this study has both practical and theoretical interests. As an
example of reflective practice, we describe and examine the development process for facilitating
children´s participation during 2009-2011. The data of evolving participation were collected with a
survey implemented twice in both 2010 and 2011. Based on the results, children´s participation has
proceeded in various daily activities. The reflective development of participatory practices has been
considered as a common problem solving process, where all participants can use their professional
expertise to create better early childhood education for children and with children.