Course Topics
The course explores quality in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) from an interdisciplinary and systemic perspective. Early childhood education and care are considered a social and cultural responsibility and a strategic long-term investment in the future of individuals and communities. During the pedagogical week, scientific contributions, educational experiences and professional practices will provide opportunities to explore topics including: quality in educational settings for children aged 0–6; children’s well-being and development; inclusion and the appreciation of diversity; multilingualism; participation and democratic citizenship; sustainability; relationships and educational partnerships with families; the role of contexts and communities; and play, storytelling, art and aesthetic experiences as fundamental dimensions of development, learning and identity formation. Specific attention is given to the relationship between theory and practice and to dialogue between scientific research, educational policy and professional practice. Visits to early childhood settings and workshops enable students to observe and discuss different pedagogical approaches and to critically examine the conditions that support high-quality educational experiences. Participation in the pedagogical week also offers opportunities to engage with a wide range of stakeholders – researchers, early childhood professionals, educational leaders, policymakers, families and communities – and to develop a critical, reflective and interdisciplinary perspective on early childhood education and care systems.

Teaching format
The course is based on active participation in the international pedagogical week “Seeding the Future”, taking place from 22 to 26 September 2026. Enrolment in the course entails registration for the pedagogical week and participation in the different learning activities included in its programme: international keynote lectures, thematic workshops, visits to early childhood education and care settings with different pedagogical profiles, activities in the EduSpaces at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano – Brixen Campus, as well as meetings, discussions and shared reflection sessions. Learning therefore takes place through a combination of listening, observation, direct experience, dialogue with experts and professionals, peer discussion and individual reflection.

Educational objectives
Die Lehrveranstaltung zielt darauf ab, ein kritisches Verständnis zentraler Themen der Qualität The course aims to develop a critical understanding of key issues related to quality in early childhood education and care. By the end of the course, students will be able to connect theoretical perspectives with educational experiences and critically reflect on different pedagogical approaches and contexts in the 0–6 field.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to: identify and critically discuss key issues in the contemporary debate on quality in early childhood education and care; recognise the complexity and interdisciplinary and systemic nature of educational contexts for children aged 0–6; connect theoretical perspectives and research findings with professional and educational experiences; observe and critically analyse different educational contexts, practices and pedagogical approaches; recognise the role of well-being, inclusion, multilingualism, participation, sustainability and aesthetic experiences in educational practice and design; understand the importance of relationships and educational partnerships between educational services, families and local communities; develop personal and professional reflective skills based on the experiences, encounters and inputs provided during the pedagogical week; formulate and substantiate their own position on the issues addressed, making appropriate use of pedagogical concepts and perspectives.

Assessment
The examination consists of an individual reflective text written during the examination session in response to guiding questions provided by the lecturer. Students are expected to connect the contents and perspectives encountered during the pedagogical week with their experiences of the different activities – lectures, workshops, visits and opportunities for discussion – highlighting significant learning, connections between theory and practice, and well-founded personal reflections.

Evaluation criteria
Assessment will be based on the following criteria: understanding of the main topics and concepts addressed during the pedagogical week; ability to select and critically elaborate on significant experiences and content; ability to establish connections between theoretical perspectives, educational practices and observed experiences; depth and independence of personal reflection; quality of argumentation and coherence of the text; appropriate use of pedagogical concepts and terminology; clarity of expression and overall organisation of the text.

Required readings

No required readings are assigned. Students are expected to take notes during the different activities of the pedagogical week. Speakers will provide bibliographical references and suggestions for further reading during their presentations.

Further information
The elective course consists of participation in the international pedagogical week “Seeding the Future – High Quality Education and Care for 0–6 Children”. To participate in the course, students are required to register for the pedagogical week via the official event website: https://www.unibz.it/en/events/seeding-the-future-high-quality-education-and-care-for-06-children