University of Helsinki HY+ Ltd. has designed this programme drawing from the Finnish excellence in education and teacher training as well as the 21st century skills and child-centred approach by utilising the best expertise and research-based knowledge from its own Academic specialists. The Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education design blends face-to-face learning and interactive methods bringing theory to practice with guided self-study and group work materials. Also teaching practice- periods (ie. Practicum) organised within schools have been integrated as part of the programme contents. Therefore, the programme foundation is built over the following pillars of learning:

  • Interactive online sessions with University of Helsinki / HY+ Academic experts
  • Workshops onsite in ITARI campus by University of Helsinki / HY+ Academic experts (at the beginning and in the end of the programme)
  • Independent work and group assignments based on the self-study materials (eg. Videos, podcasts, reading)
  • Mentored teaching practise periods

The Programme focusses on the core areas of

  • Physical Development
  • Social & Emotional development
  • Language & communication skills
  • Cognitive skills
  • Community & Societal role on Early learners
  • Transversal skills needed for the 21st century

The University of Helsinki, HY+ Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education is meticulously crafted, drawing from Finland’s renowned expertise in education and teacher training. It is dedicated to instilling 21st-century skills and a child-centered approach by leveraging the extensive knowledge of its academic specialists. The curriculum incorporates learning outcomes that emphasise a professional approach to early childhood education.

Designed with a child-centered focus and a commitment to playful pedagogy in early childhood education, this programme places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning. It empowers teachers to integrate STEM and phenomenon-based learning into their practices. Upon completing the course, teachers will be equipped with the skills to nurture transversal skills essential for the 21st century.

Notably, the course prioritises research-based design, with special attention given to internships to bring practical experiences into the learning process.

During the course, you will work on the following themes

Recognizing the significance of Early Childhood Education is paramount for fostering a child’s development. Introducing the correct educational perspective during the early years cultivates individuals who, as they grow, become mature, self-empowered, and capable of empowering others.


Module ECE 001- Childhood and Children as Social Actors

Module ECE 001- Childhood and Children as Social Actors

In the module, you will become acquainted with the processes that shape childhood, families and society, and children's everyday lives (including children's media culture). This module focuses on global child policies, children’s participation in education, and how young children participate in and contribute to society. 

 You will build on your knowledge of children's development and the relation of social agency to the child's individual development and communities. You will deepen your understanding of the educational psychological theories surrounding the development and perspectives of childhood and gain pedagogical planning skills that build on observation of and interaction with children.  

This module also explores the foundational principles and innovative practices shaping early childhood education today. It delves into understanding the developmental needs of young learners, particularly Generation Alpha and Beta, emphasising personalised and child-centered approaches to foster active agency and participation. The programme highlights the evolving role of educators in an age influenced by AI, encouraging reflective practices, observation skills, and participatory pedagogy to create enriched learning environments. Through a blend of tactile, kinesthetics, and STEAM-based methodologies, you will explore strategies to support children's active engagement and foster collaborative learning. The module also connects these practices to broader societal contexts, underscoring the importance of building strong futures by empowering families and embracing the dynamic interplay between childhood and society.

 Learning Goals:

  • Consider early learning through the developmental point of view 

  • Identify the child-centered approach to education 

  • Recognise the different means of communication as an individual, shared, verbal and non-verbal processes 

  • Understand how childhood is shaped and transformed in society 

  • Understand the role of active and participatory learning in early childhood education 

  • Recognise the key childhood politics at the practice level 


 Practice Outcomes:

  • Familiarisation with children’s opinions, everyday environment and life 

  • Concept of learning and childhood in the 21st century 

  • Explore children’s participation and agentic learning in ECE  

  • Practice observation and interaction skills with children in ECE services 

  • Get tools for supporting the communication in classroom  

  • Facilitate the participation of children at the practical level 

Faculty: Sonali Malhotra

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Introduction to the Postgraduate Diploma In Early Childhood Education 2026

Introduction to the Postgraduate Diploma In Early Childhood Education 2026

Welcome to the Future of Early Childhood Education in the 21st Century!

In an era of rapid change, early childhood education must evolve to meet the needs of today’s learners. This programme invites you on a transformative journey that strengthens professional identity, deepens pedagogical expertise, and integrates research-based practices into early learning contexts.

You will explore essential 21st-century competencies, including social-emotional development, psychological well-being, and holistic learning. Through this, you will gain the skills to nurture these capacities in young children while refining your own teaching approaches and embracing emerging educational trends.

A key focus of the programme is understanding childhood and its complex developmental processes. You will study the interplay between children, families, society, and educational systems, enabling you to design meaningful learning experiences and support children as active contributors to their world.

The programme also emphasises playful and holistic learning. You will learn to observe and extend learning through play, and to create stimulating environments that support cognitive and socio-emotional growth.

By the end, you will feel confident in designing and assessing pedagogical plans aligned with national and local curricula and in stepping forward as an advocate for young children and the early childhood profession.

As we begin this teacher education programme centred on playful learning and teaching, we invite you to step into an innovative space where research, creativity, and meaningful practice intersect. Welcome to this in-service teacher training programme—a stepping stone towards a more playful, compassionate, and enlightened future in education.



Faculty: Sonali Malhotra

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Module ECE 004 - Playful Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education

Module ECE 004 - Playful Pedagogy of Early Childhood Education

In this module, the focus and aim is on pedagogy. The module explores the historical and theoretical starting points and basic concepts of the early childhood pedagogy, including the different levels of the curricula and pedagogical approaches. Also, the approaches of play and playful learning with multimodal pedagogical practices are examined. You will gain knowledge and professional skills to design, implement, observe, document, and evaluate classroom activities and plan assignments for high-quality learning in early childhood education. The special focus is on supporting children’s self-initiated learning through playful pedagogy. You will become familiar with the curricula and learn to develop, implement, and assess pedagogical plans. You will build on their professional identity as early childhood education pedagogues. 

Play is examined as a cultural, developmental, and pedagogical phenomenon, and as a site of politics. You will become acquainted with different theories and playful environments, as well as narrative learning and the observation, planning, and guidance of the play. They will learn how to use play in different contexts of education and support children’s learning in playful ways. This module will include a practice period.


Learning Goals: 

● Recognises the pedagogical frames of national and local ECE services

● Builds personal professional practices based on pedagogical models 

● Understands the nature of play in early learning

● Learns methods for observing learning in play-based activities in class

● Is able to support learning through playful teaching methods

● Get tools for supporting and planning playful activities based on the curriculum


Practice Outcomes:

● Familiarize themselves with the concept of pedagogy as a teaching method and the professional competence of teachers in ECE 

● Develop and plan their personal professional pedagogical skills

● Develop their professional curricular understanding 

● Familiarize themselves with play and playful learning

● Get tools to use playful practices in class

● Explore and practice playful pedagogy

● Design a playful learning environment for local premises

● Learn methods for observing learning in play-based activities in class


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