Introducing ‘Sustainability from the Start’: Kristianstad University, OMEP Europe, and edChild have partnered to launch the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Curriculum for Early Childhood Education, exclusively available in the ECE Academy App. This free online course offers educators the tools and knowledge to foster sustainability in young learners and help address global climate change.
Early childhood educators are uniquely positioned to nurture environmental stewardship and sustainable development in their students, yet many lack the confidence to teach the practical aspects of climate change. Recognizing this need, Kristianstad University, OMEP Europe, and edChild collaborated to create ‘Sustainability from the Start’.
The course includes eight comprehensive, user-friendly modules, engaging activities designed for educators and children to explore and learn together, and ‘8 Friends’ characters, seamlessly integrating sustainability concepts into teaching methods.
Jessica, a preschool teacher from Sweden, remarked, “This course is an easy way to start helping the planet feel better!” Diane, a preschool teacher from Ireland, viewed ‘Sustainability from the Start’ as an opportunity to enhance her knowledge of biodiversity and sustainability and share it with her students.
The ‘Sustainability from the Start’ course is available in multiple languages, catering to a diverse global audience and curricula. It will be available on September 1st, 2023, in the ECE Academy App available on AppStore and Google Play.
This course is part of a larger effort to empower educators to play a crucial role in addressing climate change and sustainable development. By providing early childhood educators with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a sustainable mindset in young learners, ‘Sustainability from the Start’ is helping to shape the future of early childhood education and promote environmental stewardship.