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    • Early Childhood Education

    Early Childhood Education Courses

    Early childhood education courses can help you learn how to support the learning, development, and well-being of young children through age-appropriate teaching practices.

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    Find the Best Early Childhood Education Course for Your Goals

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      T

      The State University of New York

      Introduction to Early Childhood

      Skills you'll gain: Child Development, Childhood Education and Development, Working With Children, Teaching, Family Support, Parent Communication, Cultural Diversity, Diversity Awareness, Classroom Management, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Curriculum Development, Policy Development, Rapport Building, Creativity, Data Collection, Communication

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      112 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Being a Teacher

      Skills you'll gain: Pedagogy, Communication Strategies, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Course Development, Student Engagement, Working With Children, Professional Development, Self-Awareness, Cultural Diversity

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      Utrecht University

      Understanding child development: from synapse to society

      Skills you'll gain: Child Development, Human Development, Speech Language Pathology, Developmental Disabilities, Systems Thinking, Pediatrics, Research, Neurology, Cultural Diversity

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      399 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning

      Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Teaching, Lesson Planning, Pedagogy, Trustworthiness, Student Engagement, Instructional Strategies, Learning Theory, Curriculum Planning, Instructional Design, Adult Learning Principles, Goal Setting, Relationship Building, Professional Development, Collaboration, Constructive Feedback

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      299 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      Y

      Yale University

      Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing

      Skills you'll gain: Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Parent Communication, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Child Development, Problem Solving

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School

      Skills you'll gain: Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Special Education, School Psychology, Case Studies, Student Support and Services, Mental Health, Health Promotion, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Crisis Intervention, Data Collection

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      888 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Developing Relationships

      Skills you'll gain: Diversity Awareness, Parent Communication, Cultural Diversity, Relationship Building, Working With Children, Classroom Management, Teaching, Community Outreach, Student Engagement, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum

      Skills you'll gain: Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, Teaching, Education and Training, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Pedagogy, Student-Centred Learning, Collaboration, Learning Theory, Planning

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      506 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      S

      Stanford University

      Child Nutrition and Cooking

      Skills you'll gain: Nutrition Education, Cooking, Meal Planning And Preparation, Nutrition and Diet, Food Safety and Sanitation, Child Health, Working With Children, Food Quality Assurance And Control, Parent Communication

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      10K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support

      Skills you'll gain: Disabilities, Visual Impairment Education, Developmental Disabilities, Special Education, Instructional Strategies, Student Support and Services, Educational Materials, Teaching, Social Justice, Pedagogy, Differentiated Instruction, Instructional Design, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Diversity Awareness, Curriculum Development, Working With Children

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      836 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University at Buffalo

      ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students

      Skills you'll gain: Classroom Management, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Psychiatric Assessments, Parent Communication, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Working With Children, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Treatment Planning, Diagnostic Tests, Child Development, Planning, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School

      Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Communication Disorders, Neurology, School Psychology, Patient Evaluation, Disabilities, Special Education, Pediatrics, Child Development, Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Occupational Therapy, Psychological Evaluations

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.7K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    1234…176

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular early childhood education courses

    • Introduction to Early Childhood: The State University of New York
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Being a Teacher: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Understanding child development: from synapse to society: Utrecht University
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing: Yale University
    • Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School: University of Colorado System
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Developing Relationships: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Child Nutrition and Cooking: Stanford University
    • Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support : University of Cape Town

    Why Learn Early Childhood Education?

    Early childhood education focuses on the foundational years of a child's life, shaping their cognitive, emotional, and social development. It combines child psychology, curriculum planning, and classroom management to create supportive learning environments. Learning early childhood education can help you nurture young learners and prepare for meaningful roles in teaching, caregiving, and educational leadership.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Early Childhood Education

    Browse the early childhood education courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.

    • Introduction to Early Childhood: The State University of New York
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Being a Teacher: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Understanding child development: from synapse to society: Utrecht University
    • Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing: Yale University
    • ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students: University at Buffalo
    • Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support: University of Cape Town
    • Child Nutrition and Cooking: Stanford University
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Developing Relationships: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning: Commonwealth Education Trust‎

    Yes. You can start learning early childhood education on Coursera for free in two ways:

    • Preview the first module of many early childhood education courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
    • Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

    If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in early childhood education, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

    You’ll learn about child development stages, positive behavior guidance, inclusive teaching practices, and the role of play and creativity in learning. Courses often explore how to support social-emotional growth and foster curiosity in young learners.‎

    Not at all. Many courses are designed for parents, caregivers, or anyone curious about supporting young children’s learning and well-being. More advanced content is available for educators and early learning professionals.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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