Introduction to Finnish Early Childhood Education from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the concept, purpose and mission of the finnish early childhood education system (ecec)
You will gain a profound perspective into comparing ecec in finland with your respective location, and identify the strengths and development areas in your work

You will be prepared to continue the exploration of the research-based finnish ecec approaches and practices.
You gain fundamental insights into the finnish early childhood education system (ecec)

Learn the concept, purpose and mission of the finnish early childhood education system (ecec)
You will gain a profound perspective into comparing ecec in finland with your respective location, and identify the strengths and development areas in your work
You will be prepared to continue the exploration of the research-based finnish ecec approaches and practices.
You gain fundamental insights into the finnish early childhood education system (ecec)

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the course!

In Finland, early childhood education and care is considered the right of all children under school age. There is continuity of vision and action between ECEC, pre-primary education, and basic education in order to support the child’s development in a coherent and systematic way. Finnish ECEC has its roots in science. Different perspectives complement each other and contribute to meaningful ECEC activity.

Educare model is defined as an integrated approach to education, care, and teaching with a pedagogical emphasis. All three elements form a coherent entity. Educare model promotes growth, health, learning and wellbeing of the whole child. The integrated approach to care, education and teaching is expressed through everyday pedagogy. Everyday pedagogy is part of every moment of daily activities.

Among the cornerstones of Finnish early childhood education and care are stress-free childhood and experience of joy of learning. There is a general shared understanding that children can be children and grow up at their own natural pace. One of the key goals in ECEC is to raise children with a healthy, positive attitude towards learning. Stress-free childhood and joyful learning are made possible by the fact that there is no pressure for children to acquire academic skills.

How Finnish ECEC is organized? There are several different forms of ECEC in Finland

In Finland, ECEC can be organized by the public sector or owned and organized by private entities. ECEC service is heavily supported by taxes, and there is almost no difference between the fees of public and private daycare centers. Both public and private ECEC centers follow the national regulation on child-staff ratios and professional qualifications.

The common aim of the core curricula is to ensure the common foundation for delivering high-quality services on equal terms throughout the country. The curricula have been developed based on findings in national and international research, on experiences within different early childhood services, and on the shared knowledge and agreed understandings of how to meet the needs of children, families, communities as well as those of the Finnish society as a whole.

In this module you'll see an example what a typical day in a full-time Finnish ECEC looks like. There are variations in how different ECEC centers structure their days. The daily schedule of a daycare center is always adapted to the local needs.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Presents the Finnish Educare model, which integrates care, education, and teaching, offering a holistic approach to early childhood development that may be insightful for international audiences

Explores the Finnish ECEC system, which is rooted in science and emphasizes a stress-free childhood and joyful learning, potentially offering a fresh perspective on pedagogical practices

Examines the National Core Curriculum, which ensures a common foundation for high-quality services, potentially offering a framework for standardization and quality assurance in other contexts

Taught by an ECEC specialist with experience in developing Finnish-inspired curriculum, which may provide learners with practical insights and best practices from the Finnish system

Requires learners to compare ECEC in Finland with their respective locations, which may be challenging for learners unfamiliar with the Finnish system or lacking a strong understanding of their own

Reviews summary

Overview of finnish early childhood education

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful introduction to the Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) model. Students particularly appreciate the clear explanations of core concepts like the Educare model and the National Core Curriculum. Many find the content highly relevant and inspiring, especially when comparing it to their own country's systems. While the course provides a strong theoretical foundation, some learners indicate it could benefit from more practical examples or deeper dives into specific pedagogical approaches. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Offers strong basis in principles and theory.

"The course provides a solid theoretical foundation on the Finnish Educare model and curriculum."

"I gained fundamental insights into the underlying principles of their system, which is very helpful."

"The course focused well on the 'why' behind the system, giving me a good theoretical grounding."

Concepts are explained simply and effectively.

"The course is very well-structured and the content is easy to follow. The trainer explains the concepts very clearly."

"The explanations were clear and easy to understand. I was able to grasp the main ideas effectively."

"I appreciated how the course broke down complex ideas into simple terms, making them accessible."

Highly relevant for educators globally.

"Very interesting and inspiring course! Great insights for my own work in ECEC. Highly recommended for educators worldwide."

"The ideas presented here are inspiring and make me reflect on my own practices in my country."

"I found the principles discussed incredibly relevant to improving early childhood education wherever I am."

Provides a great overview of Finnish ECEC.

"This course gives a great introduction to the Finnish ECEC system. I recommend it to anyone interested in this topic."

"A good concise introduction to the Finnish Early Childhood Education system. I enjoyed the content and learned a lot."

"The content gave me a very good understanding and insight into the Finnish Early Childhood Education system."

Could benefit from more practical details.

"It was a bit theoretical. I would have liked to see more practical examples of how these principles are applied daily."

"While the theory is great, I wished for more concrete examples of activities or classroom settings."

"Some parts felt a little abstract; adding more real-world scenarios would enhance the learning."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Finnish Early Childhood Education with these activities:

Review 'Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care: A National Core Curriculum'

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Familiarize yourself with the core curriculum to better understand the Finnish ECEC system.

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Obtain a copy of the curriculum.
Read the introduction and key principles.
Identify the core values and goals.

Review Child Development Theories

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Strengthen your understanding of child development theories to better grasp the pedagogical approaches used in Finnish ECEC.

Browse courses on Attachment Theory

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Select 2-3 key theories to review.
Summarize the main concepts of each theory.
Consider how these theories relate to ECEC practices.

Create a Comparison Chart of ECEC Systems

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Compare and contrast the Finnish ECEC system with your local system to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

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Research your local ECEC system.
Identify key differences and similarities.
Create a chart summarizing your findings.
Reflect on the implications of these differences.

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Discuss Finnish ECEC with Peers

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Engage in discussions with peers to share insights and deepen your understanding of Finnish ECEC.

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Organize a virtual or in-person meeting.
Share your key takeaways from the course.
Discuss the potential applications of Finnish ECEC in your context.

Review 'The Finnish Way of Raising Kids: The Approach to Happy, Confident, and Well-Adjusted Children'

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Explore the cultural values that underpin the Finnish approach to raising children.

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the chapters on key Finnish values.
Reflect on how these values influence ECEC practices.

Design a Finnish-Inspired Activity

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Apply your knowledge by designing an activity inspired by Finnish ECEC principles.

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Choose a specific Finnish ECEC principle.
Develop an activity that embodies this principle.
Pilot the activity with children (if possible).
Reflect on the effectiveness of the activity.

Develop a Proposal for Implementing Finnish ECEC Practices

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Create a detailed proposal for integrating Finnish ECEC practices into your local setting.

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Identify specific areas for improvement in your local ECEC system.
Research Finnish ECEC practices that address these areas.
Develop a detailed implementation plan.
Present your proposal to stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Finnish Early Childhood Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Early Childhood Educator

An early childhood educator plays a vital role in shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. This role involves creating stimulating and nurturing environments where children can develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually. A course such as this one, which illuminates the Finnish Educare model, may be useful for designing integrated approaches to education, care, and teaching. Further, studying Finland’s unique focus on stress-free childhoods and joyful learning may allow an early childhood educator to implement practices that help children grow at their own pace. The syllabus's discussion of national curricula and Finnish ECEC organization may also be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Early Childhood Educator

Preschool Teacher

Preschool teachers are responsible for the care and education of young children before they enter formal schooling. They create engaging activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive development. Studying the Finnish ECEC system through this course helps a preschool teacher understand the importance of integrating care, education, and teaching. Learning about Finland's emphasis on stress-free childhoods and joyful learning may allow a preschool teacher to cultivate a positive and stimulating environment for their students. The course’s introduction to daily life in Finnish ECEC can also offer practical ideas for classroom activities.

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Early Childhood Education Consultant

As an early childhood education consultant, you will advise schools, organizations, and government agencies on best practices in early childhood education. A course such as this one helps you gain valuable knowledge about the Finnish ECEC system, which is renowned for its quality and effectiveness. The course's exploration of the Educare model and the National Core Curriculum provides a strong foundation for informed consulting. This exposure to innovative practices will help you recommend improvements to programs and policies, promoting children’s wellbeing, happiness, and health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Early Childhood Education Consultant

Curriculum Developer

A curriculum developer designs and implements educational programs and materials that align with specific learning objectives and standards. These professionals often work for schools, educational organizations, or government agencies. This course may be useful for a curriculum developer, especially regarding early childhood education. The course provides insight into the Finnish National Curriculum Guidelines on ECEC, along with the mission and core tasks of Finnish ECEC. Understanding the Finnish approach to curriculum development may help a curriculum developer create innovative and effective programs for early learners, incorporating the Finnish emphasis on wellbeing, happiness, and health.

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Childcare Center Director

A childcare center director manages the daily operations of a childcare facility, overseeing staff, implementing policies, and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children. This course can help a childcare center director gain insights into the Finnish approach to early childhood education. Studying the Finnish Educare model and the National Core Curriculum may help a director implement best practices in their center. Learning about the Finnish emphasis on wellbeing and joyful learning may also help them create a positive and enriching experience for children and staff.

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Education Policy Analyst

An education policy analyst researches and evaluates education policies, providing recommendations for improvement to government agencies and educational institutions. Familiarity with international models of education is essential for this role. This course may be useful for an education policy analyst, as it provides valuable insights into the structure and philosophy of the Finnish ECEC system. Understanding the principles behind Finnish early childhood education, such as the Educare model and the focus on wellbeing, may help an analyst develop policies that promote positive outcomes for young children.

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Education Researcher

An education researcher conducts studies to examine educational practices, policies, and outcomes. They may work for universities, research organizations, or government agencies. This course may be useful for an education researcher interested in early childhood education. It provides insights into the Finnish ECEC system, which is a widely studied and admired model. Understanding the principles and practices of Finnish ECEC, such as the Educare model and the focus on wellbeing, can inform research studies aimed at improving early childhood education in other contexts. An advanced degree is typically advised for this position.

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Early Intervention Specialist

An early intervention specialist works with young children who have developmental delays or disabilities, providing support and interventions to help them reach their full potential. A course about Finnish early childhood education may be useful for an intervention specialist, as it provides a valuable perspective on holistic development. Studying the Finnish Educare model, which integrates care, education, and teaching, may allow a specialist to design comprehensive intervention plans that address all aspects of a child's wellbeing. Gaining insight into the Finnish approach to promoting children's happiness and health may also be helpful.

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Elementary School Teacher

An elementary school teacher is responsible for educating children typically between the ages of five and twelve. While the course focuses on early childhood education, understanding the continuum of care from ECEC to primary education in Finland may be useful. The course underscores how Finnish ECEC builds a foundation for lifelong learning. Elementary school teachers should embrace philosophies that will continue to support the child’s development and learning.

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Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. While specializing in early childhood education, the course's discussion of an integrated approach to education, care, and teaching may be useful for special education teachers. The Finnish Educare model promotes the growth, health, learning, and wellbeing of the whole child. In special education, this approach allows for a more complete understanding of a child's challenges and needs.

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Family Support Specialist

Family support specialists work with families to provide resources and assistance that promote their wellbeing. This course may be useful if a family support specialist is working with families who have young children. The course’s discussion of Finnish early childhood education and its aim of promoting children’s wellbeing, happiness, and health is crucial. Understanding the importance of early childhood education and a stressfree childhood may allow a specialist to advise families on how best to care for their young children.

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Social Worker

Social workers aim to improve people's lives by helping them cope with issues in their everyday lives. They can be employed in a variety of settings, including schools. This course, while covering early childhood education, may be useful for social workers working with young children and their families. The Finnish ECEC system emphasizes the importance of a stress-free childhood and the experience of joy in learning. Social workers can apply these concepts to help families create healthier learning environments.

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Guidance Counselor

Guidance counselors help students develop academic and social skills. They commonly work in middle schools and high schools. While not focusing on older students, this course provides insights into pedagogical practices. The Finnish model focuses on an integrated approach to care, education, and pedagogy. In effect, this integration promotes the growth, health, learning, and wellbeing of the whole child. This idea of the “whole child” is one that guidance counselors may use to better understand and help students.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find information and resources. They work in a variety of settings, including public libraries and schools. This course, while focusing on early childhood education in Finland, may be useful for librarians who work with young children. This course outlines the Finnish Educare model and National Core Curriculum. Librarians may use these ideas to curate collections that promote wellbeing, happiness, and health among children.

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Museum Educator

Museum educators work in museums to develop and deliver educational programs for visitors. This course may be useful for a museum educator who is designing programs for young children. While focused on early childhood education, it introduces the Finnish Educare model and National Core Curriculum. This can help museum educators design exhibits and activities that promote learning through an integrated and child-centered approach. The Finnish emphasis on joyful learning and wellbeing could be incorporated into museum programs to create engaging and enriching experiences for young visitors.

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Introduction to Finnish Early Childhood Education

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Overview of finnish early childhood education

Activities

Career center

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