Introduction

This is an Internet-based part-time study programme in pre-school pedagogy for teachers without pre-school training who wish to work as educators, pedagogical leaders or administrators in kindergartens.

The study programme will provide competence in the most important topics associated with work in kindergartens. The programme will equip students with updated knowledge on play and learning and approaches to various subjects in pre-schools. We will also stress leadership and organisational development.

The programme consists of three modules:

1. Play, learning and care in the kindergarten, 10 ECTS
2. Didactic perspectives in the kindergarten, 10 ECTS
3. The kindergarten – an educational organisation, 10 ECTS

The programme is based on workshops and the use of Internet, and is conducted over two semesters, with an examination in the final semester. The programme in Kindergarten Pedagogy is a professional specialisation worth 30 ECTS credits. Kindergarten Pedagogy, together with Nursery Pedagogy, 30 ECTS credits, will provide the specified target group with competence equivalent to pre-school teacher training.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The programme is intended for students who already have completed 3-year teacher-education programmes other than pre-school teacher-training who would like to work as pedagogical leaders at the pre-school level. The following subject areas within education constitute the target group for admission to the programme: general teacher education; subject teacher: practical & arts subjects (qualified to teach from 1st grade); child welfare; and special needs education. In the admission process, applicants who are already employed in kindergartens through dispensations and applicants who have taken 30 ECTS of Nursery Pedagogy will be given priority.

Aim of the Programme

The primary objectives of the programme are to develop knowledge and insight into the main professional responsibilities of the pre-school teacher. The programme encompasses aspects of pre-school teacher education, and is based upon a comprehensive approach to education.

Students will develop and increase their competence by:

• Developing an understanding of the role of play in children's lives and gain insight into play and learning in the kindergarten.
• Develop the ability to reflect and carry out tasks related to planning, implementation and evaluation of work in the kindergarten in relation to the curriculum.
• Acquire insight in the curriculum’s subject areas and develop knowledge about how these can be expressed in the kindergarten.
• Develop insight into what it means to be a leader in a kindergarten.
• Acquire insight into the legal framework affecting schools, and the curriculum for kindergartens.
• Analyse responsibilities of kindergartens in a social and organisational perspective.

Common background literature for all three modules are: The Kindergarten Act; Curriculum for Kindergartens; and Curriculum brochures.

Further Education opportunities

Kindergarten Pedagogy, together with Nursery Pedagogy, 30 ECTS credits, will provide the specified target group with competence equivalent to pre-school teacher training.

Curriculum and structure

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean