• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • 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.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Find the Best Early Childhood Education Course for Your Goals

    • T

      The State University of New York

      Introduction to Early Childhood

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

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      102 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Planning for Teaching and Learning

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

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      289 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Stanford University

      Child Nutrition and Cooking

      Skills you'll gain: Nutrition Education, Cooking, Nutrition and Diet, Food and Beverage, Food Safety and Sanitation, Child Health, Working With Children, Community Health, Parent Communication

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      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, Interpersonal Communications

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

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Commonwealth Education Trust

      Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Curriculum

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

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      484 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University at Buffalo

      ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students

      Skills you'll gain: Psychological Evaluations, Classroom Management, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Parent Communication, Mental and Behavioral Health, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Working With Children, Pediatrics, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Treatment Planning, Child Development, Disabilities

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      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

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      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, Human Learning, Systems Thinking, Learning Theory, Research, Neurology, Cultural Diversity, Biology

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      365 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      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, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Instructional Strategies, Student Support and Services, Teaching, Social Justice, Differentiated Instruction, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Working With Children, Advocacy

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      797 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      Y

      Yale University

      Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing

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

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Academic English: Writing

      Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Peer Review, Writing, Research, Proofreading, Editing, Writing and Editing, English Language, Vocabulary, Style Guides

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      23K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • V

      Vanderbilt University

      Generative AI for Educators & Teachers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Creative Problem-Solving, AI Personalization, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Innovation, Brainstorming, OpenAI, Game Design, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management Framework, Education Software and Technology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    1234…159

    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: Planning for Teaching and Learning: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • 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
    • ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students: University at Buffalo
    • Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Being a Teacher: Commonwealth Education Trust
    • Understanding child development: from synapse to society: Utrecht University
    • Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support : University of Cape Town
    • Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing: Yale University

    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

    Early childhood education courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and fostering the development of young children. These include the basics of child development theories, early childhood curriculum design, and classroom management. Learners will explore topics such as cognitive and social development, literacy and numeracy skills, and inclusive education practices. Advanced courses might cover areas like early childhood assessment, family engagement strategies, and leadership in early childhood settings. Practical exercises and teaching practicums help learners apply these concepts to real-world educational scenarios, enhancing their ability to create supportive and enriching learning environments for young children.‎

    Choosing the right early childhood education course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of child development theories, early childhood curriculum design, and classroom management. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on literacy and numeracy skills, inclusive education practices, and family engagement strategies. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on early childhood assessment, leadership in early childhood settings, or preparing for roles in early childhood program management and policy development. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.‎

    A certificate in early childhood education can open up various career opportunities in education, childcare, and program management. Common roles include preschool teacher, early childhood educator, childcare center director, and family support specialist. These positions involve designing and implementing educational programs for young children, managing early childhood education centers, supporting families, and ensuring high-quality care and education. With the increasing recognition of the importance of early childhood education, earning a certificate in this field can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in preschools, childcare centers, educational organizations, and government agencies.‎

    Yes, Coursera offers a variety of free courses across many topics, including early childhood education. While you can access most course materials for free by auditing the courses, this does not include graded assignments or a completion certificate. For those looking to obtain a certificate to showcase their learning or enhance their professional profile, Coursera provides the option to purchase the course. Additionally, Coursera offers free trials or financial aid to learners who qualify, making certifications more accessible to everyone.‎

    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.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok