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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
    ·
    113 reviews

    Beginner · 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
    ·
    409 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

  • 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
    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

  • 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

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • 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

  • 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
    ·
    507 reviews

    Mixed · 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: 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: 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

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    T

    The State University of New York

    Home-Based Child Care

    Skills you'll gain: Injury Prevention, Child Development, Childhood Education and Development, Working With Children, Business Planning, Accident Prevention, Teaching, Family Support, Emotional Intelligence, Emergency Response, Parent Communication, Cultural Diversity, Diversity Awareness, Nutrition and Diet, Safety Training, Business, Small Business Accounting, Tax Management, Policy Development, Creativity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    143 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Early Childhood Education learners also search

child development
learning and development
education
child psychology
pediatrics
special education
developmental psychology
teaching
1234…177

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

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

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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