Events

We invite you to a seminar whose main objective is to increase the understanding and awareness of participation in democratic life in eraly childhood (a horizontal priority of the European Commission and the Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027) and the use of the basic principles related to this priority in pre-school education; as well as to provide practitioners and professionals with practical ideas to promote democracy in early childhood. The international environment also provides an excellent opportunity for networking and for identifying new potential partners for future cooperation and projects. 

The aim of this workshop is to attract and involve mainly Erasmus+ beneficiaries (both Key Action 1 - Learning Mobility and Key Action 2 - Collaboration projects) in the field of pre-school education. 

The seminar is intended for a broad range of professionals in early childhood education, including:

• Leaders of pre-school institutions
• Teachers and specialists working in early childhood education
• Project coordinators and team members involved in Erasmus+ projects
• Both newcomers and experienced Erasmus+ beneficiaries are encouraged to participate, ensuring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.

In summary, this seminar aims to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to foster democratic principles in early childhood education while also providing valuable networking opportunities and insights into international best practices. Please note that in Estonia, pre-school education is delivered to children between the ages of 18 months to 7 years so that will be the main age group we are focusing. Regarding the countries participating, that could also be appliccable to 1st and 2nd grade teachers in other countries. 

Here’s a breakdown of the expected outcomes:

1. Increased Awareness of Democratic Principles in Early Childhood Education

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the role of democratic values in early childhood education. They will learn how to incorporate these principles into pre-school settings, aligning with the European Commission’s priorities under Erasmus+ for the 2021-2027 period.

2. Practical Ideas and Tools for Promoting Democracy

Educators and practitioners will leave the seminar with practical strategies, tools, and approaches they can directly apply in their pre-schools to foster democratic participation among young children. These could include methods for encouraging children’s voices in decision-making, promoting inclusion, and engaging children in collective problem-solving.

3. Networking Opportunities

The seminar will facilitate networking among professionals from different countries, creating opportunities for participants to share experiences, knowledge, and ideas. It will also open the door to future collaboration, enabling the development of new Erasmus+ projects, especially within Key Action 1 (Learning Mobility) and Key Action 2 (Collaboration projects).

4. Learning from Expert Guest Lectures & Experience Stories

By attending guest lectures and experience-sharing sessions, participants will hear from experts and peers about practical experiences in implementing democratic principles in pre-school settings. These stories will offer valuable insights and inspire new ways of thinking about democratic participation in early childhood education.

5. Practical Group Work & Workshops

Engaging in interactive workshops and practical group work will help participants to collaboratively explore and test ideas related to democracy in pre-school education. These activities will provide hands-on experience in applying the theoretical knowledge gained during the seminar.

6. Enhanced Collaboration and Future Partnerships

By meeting professionals from across Europe and participating in collaborative activities, attendees will likely identify potential partners for future Erasmus+ projects. The seminar will serve as a springboard for further international cooperation in the field of early childhood education.

7. On-Site Visits to Pre-School Institutions

The final day’s on-site visits to nearby pre-school institutions will offer participants a chance to observe firsthand how democratic participation principles are integrated into real-world settings. These visits will serve as a valuable learning experience, providing concrete examples of how theory is applied in practice.

Target group: leaders of pre-school institutions; teachers, specialists and project coordinators working in pre-school institutions