The objective of the Master’s degree program in Preschool and Early School Education is to obtain the qualifications required to work as a teacher in kindergartens and in grades I–III of primary schools.
The studies provide comprehensive knowledge of key issues in pedagogy, with particular emphasis on preschool and early childhood education, core concepts of human development, upbringing, and education. The curriculum integrates selected areas of biology, philosophy, history, sociology, psychology, and anthropology, tailored to the preschool and early school education levels.
Students will acquire skills in designing and conducting pedagogical research, including selected research methods, techniques, and tools. They will understand the main educational environments of preschool and early school children, including their characteristics and internal dynamics, as well as alternative forms of early childhood education. Students will also learn about working with children with special educational needs, modern information technologies, foundational theories of education and upbringing, and the diversity of developmental potential in young children shaped by biological, psychological, pedagogical, social, and cultural factors.
Graduates of the integrated Master’s program in Preschool and Early School Education will be equipped with interdisciplinary, in-depth knowledge in general pedagogy, the historical-philosophical, sociological, and psychological foundations of education, as well as advanced understanding of terminology, theories, and methodology of pedagogy, particularly in preschool and early childhood education.
This knowledge supports critical understanding of the development of pedagogical theory and practice, including the complex and dynamic relationship between them. It also allows for reflection on changes in pedagogy, alternative educational systems, the concept of lifelong learning, and education for sustainable development.
Graduates will possess well-structured knowledge of ethical principles and norms, enabling them to understand the broad socio-cultural context of teaching, upbringing, and caregiving, as well as to construct their own professional development paths.
In the area of preschool and early school pedagogy, the graduate will be prepared for work requiring knowledge of developmental patterns and educational processes of children in middle and late childhood. They will understand the nature of child development during these stages and the ways to stimulate and assess it. They will be familiar with principles, methods, and organizational forms of working with children in kindergartens and early primary school grades, criteria for selecting educational plans and programs, and legal regulations governing teaching, educational, and caregiving work in these institutions.
They will gain knowledge of methods and forms of both professional and personal development, including self-evaluation.
Thanks to the program, graduates will acquire the ability to identify and solve theoretical and practical problems in preschool and early school education.
They will be able to apply relevant pedagogical theories and research concepts, including those specific to preschool and early school pedagogy. They will also be capable of personalizing educational and upbringing processes based on diagnosed diverse needs and abilities of children, professionally applying diagnostic tools in teaching, and appropriately responding to the needs of children from dysfunctional or abusive families.
Graduates will also be able to use negotiation techniques to resolve educational problems and support children with special educational needs in both kindergartens and schools.
The graduate of the integrated Master’s program in Preschool and Early School Education is characterized by an interdisciplinary theoretical foundation.
Their well-structured knowledge will enable them to understand the socio-cultural context of education, particularly early education. Within the studied field, they will demonstrate advanced knowledge of philosophical, psychological, sociological, communication, and contemporary pedagogical concepts that form the theoretical basis for educational work with children in kindergartens and early primary school grades.
They will have an expanded understanding of critically and reflectively planning their professional teaching career in preschool and early school settings.
The graduate will also possess practical skills necessary for the reliable evaluation of original educational projects and for designing innovative strategies and methods for working with young children.
They will be able to analyze the environmental conditions influencing children’s educational and developmental processes and will demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of preschool and early school-aged children, along with readiness to independently solve educational challenges.
