Online Course
Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Develop your knowledge and practice in early childhood education through a Finnish-inspired approach.
Explore child development, learning, creative pedagogy and modern approaches to early childhood education through an online professional learning programme.
Online
ECE
Practical learning
Certificate
Internship
Course at a glance
86
Lesson
Language
ECE Educators
& Professionals
Up to 2 optional live sessions
Based on participant interest
Certificate
English
Target Audience
Issued by CCE Finland
Internship
Included/ Required
100% Online
Access from anywhere
Learning Objectives
The course will broaden the participants’ understanding of the field of early childhood education and encourage thinking of the early years as a fundamental stage in the human person's life. The participants will be able to formulate and advance their visions and practices as professionals working with the young children through exchanging with other professionals and participants, engaging in self-reflection and applying their knowledge and skills in practice.
Who Can Attend?
This course will be helpful for those who are at the beginning of their career in the field of early childhood education, who have no or little formal professional training, or those who experience a need to update and support their practices with more knowledge on recent trends in early childhood education.
Info Session - Live Webcast
Know more about the course and get answers to frequently asked questions through this info session - recorded Live! Meet the designers of the course.
What is the course about?
The Diploma in Early Childhood Education is designed to strengthen educators’ understanding, knowledge and practice in the early years through a Finnish-inspired approach to early childhood education.
The programme explores child development, learning, creative pedagogy and contemporary approaches to early childhood education, helping participants reflect on their existing practice and develop new ways of supporting young children’s learning and development.
Internship
The internship positions are available now with CCE Finland for innovative projects in ECE like SISU box (Finnish Preschool in a box). SISU box is a kit designed for ECE teachers, parents, and students. More information will be provided during the Diploma live meetings.
Is the internship mandatory?
Yes. The internship is required to complete the programme and receive the official certificate.
How long is the internship?
4 weeks, following 8 weeks of theoretical coursework.
Can I complete the internship at my own ECE centre?
Yes. Participants can complete the internship at their own ECE centre or school, supported by CCE’s accompanying letter and agreement.
Does CCE Finland help with placement?
CCE provides supporting documentation and may offer internship opportunities through projects such as SISU Box / Finnish Preschool in a Box.
Can I complete it remotely
Yes. Participants may complete the internship remotely through eligible CCE Finland projects.
What will I do during the internship?
Activities may include observing practice, planning play-based activities, supporting daily routines, developing ECE materials and preparing pedagogical content.
What do I submit at the end?
Internship documentation, reports/logs, reflective activities and course evaluation forms through Thinkific.
Get in touch with our team
Set up a free online meeting
Email us
What's app
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
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Understand child development and key areas of growth from birth to six years.
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Explore how young children learn through play, creativity, participation and meaningful experiences.
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Understand educational theories and their relevance to Early Childhood Education.
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Explore contemporary ECE approaches, including Montessori, Steiner Waldorf and Reggio Emilia.
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Develop your understanding of pedagogical practices that support meaningful learning.
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Use observation, documentation and assessment to understand and support children's learning.
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Reflect on your own learning and professional practice through course activities and assignments.
What You will gain
A stronger understanding of child development, learning, pedagogical approaches and professional practices in Early Childhood Education - supported by research, reflection and examples from Finnish and international ECE contexts.
Curriculum
Your Learning Journey in Early Childhood Education
Explore child development, learning, pedagogical approaches and creative practices through a structured Early Childhood Education learning journey.
Understanding the Whole Child
Begin with the foundations of Early Childhood Education by exploring how children grow and develop during the early years.
What you will explore
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Child development and growth from 0–6 years
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Prime areas of growth and development
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Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
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Social and emotional development
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Communication, language and literacy
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Physical development
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Early childhood neurodevelopment
By completing this theme, you will:
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Develop a stronger understanding of children's development during the early years
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Explore key areas of children's growth and development
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Understand the importance of social, emotional, language and physical development
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Reflect on how children's developmental needs influence early learning
What you gain from this course:
A stronger understanding of child development, learning, pedagogical approaches and professional practices in Early Childhood Education - supported by research, reflection and examples from Finnish and international ECE contexts.
Special offer
This course is available for € 350 (€ 450) until 31 August 2026. Use coupon code CCEEL to claim your discount today!
Certificate
Certification
Participants who successfully complete the programme requirements receive a CCE Finland certificate in Early Childhood Education.
To earn the certificate, participants must successfully complete:
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All required course modules
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Required assignments and learning activities
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The 4-week internship component
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Required internship documentation and final report/reflection
Who Will Benefit from This Course?
Ideal for educators and professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and practice in Early Childhood Education.
Early Childhood Educators
Build stronger foundations in child development, learning and early childhood pedagogy.
Preschool & Kindergarten Teachers
Update your knowledge and explore contemporary approaches to supporting young children's learning.
ECE Professionals
Strengthen your existing practice with new perspectives, creative approaches and Finnish-inspired practices.
Aspiring ECE Professionals
Develop foundational knowledge and practical understanding to begin or grow your journey in Early Childhood Education.
Hear how educators and preschool leaders have applied these ideas in their own professional practice
International Collaboration
Learning Together. Growing Together.
CCE Finland made a collaboration with Sunshine Village from Ho Chi Minh City for ECE in the Vietnamese language.
