Preschool education

What is study like?

Students in the Preschool Education programme are introduced to various concepts of childhood and education, acquiring fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge in specific areas of kindergarten activities. Graduates must be able to communicate effectively with both children and adults, and be capable of planning, implementing, and critically analysing educational work. Elective courses within the programme encourage you to specialise in the areas of kindergarten work that interest you most.

An important goal of the programme is to acquire broad and transferable foundational knowledge that will enable graduates to independently seek out sources and methods for obtaining the specific skills and knowledge they need throughout their lifelong learning journey.

The programme includes a substantial practical component designed to:

• Apply the theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting,
• Critically reflect on your own and others’ decisions and actions.

Within the integrated practice—conducted approximately once a week under the mentorship of experienced practitioners—you will observe children, preschool teachers, and the kindergarten environment, try out your own pedagogical skills, and participate in field exercises in nature.

Each academic year also features a condensed practice period, ranging from one to four weeks, carried out under the guidance of preschool teachers in kindergartens and in the first grade of primary school.

Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to develop skills in drawing, painting, photography, working with clay, singing, movement, playing musical instruments, as well as language and mathematics.

Programme objectives

• Prepare students for quality work with toddlers, preschool children, and first-grade primary school students.
• Equip students with effective communication skills to interact with both children and adults.
• Develop students’ abilities in planning, implementing, and critically analysing educational practices.

Admission requirements

Applicants for the higher education professional programme in Preschool Education may enrol if they:

• Have obtained a High School Diploma;
• Or have passed the final exam or vocational matriculation exam in the secondary school programme for Preschool Teachers or in the secondary school programme for Health Technicians;
• Or have completed any four-year secondary school programme before 1 June 1995.

In the event of limited admissions, candidates will be selected based on their performance during the 3rd and 4th years of secondary school, as well as their results on the high school leaving exam or final exam.