This research aimed to analyse the pedagogical specificities of the activities developed by two early childhood education teachers, one public and one private, in the municipality of Barreiras. Two objectives were key to gathering the data that made this monographic text possible: discussing the concept of childhood, children and early childhood education from the teachers' perspective, and also identifying the activities that make up the teachers' pedagogical work in early childhood education. The main theoretical references for these discussions are: Ostetto (2008), Ludke and André (1986), Oliveira (2007), Faria and Palhares (2000), Kuhlmann Jr. (2001). The research was carried out using a qualitative field study approach, in which we first observed the institutions and then interviewed the teachers, who showed little knowledge of early childhood education and that they are still learning. The research revealed that activities are important in the routine of early childhood education and that this requires a professional with specific training in the area.