The Child at the Center of Early Childhood Education

General competencies in focus

Ethical and Sustainable Competencies, Communicative and Social Competency, Local and Global Societal Competencies, Technological competence, Learning and Career-oriented Competencies 

Learning outcomes

1. You can make decisions in the best interest of the child based on legislation, ethical principles, and the and values in guiding documents for early childhood education (Skill)
2. You respect the uniqueness of the child and have an open and accepting attitude towards children, families, and colleagues. (Attitude)
3. You can critically examine and act ethically in situations in early childhood education where there is a value conflict. (Knowledge and Skill)
4. You can explain theories about child development and well-being at an advanced level. (Knowledge)

SDG in focus

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

Course literature and other materials can be found on Itslearning.

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The academic year 2026-2027

• Drugli, M.-B. & Lekhal, R. (2020). Att rusta barn för livet. Studentlitteratur.
• Edfelt, D. (2019). Utmaningar i förskolan: att förebygga problemskapande beteende. Gothia kompetens.
• Grunderna för planen för småbarnspedagogik 2022, Utbildningsstyrelsen. https://eperusteet.opintopolku.fi/eperusteet-service/api/dokumentit/10097398(Avautuu uuteen välilehteen)
• Pulkkinen, L., Ahonen, T. & Ruoppila I. (2023). Ihmisen psykologinen kehitys. Santalahti. – kapitel 2 Varhaislapsuus eller motsvarande material på svenska
• Säljö, R. (2014) Lärande i praktiken – Ett sociokulturellt perspektiv. Studentlitteratur.
• Other material found on Itslearning.

Time-use

5 credits correspond to about 135 hours of work (literature search, written examination)

Grading scale

 0-5

The grade for the written examination is the course grade.

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Academic year 2026-2027

Study activities and mode of delivery 

Literature course, self-study

Assessment methods

Written assignment