Graz university expands early childhood education training

The University of Graz is expanding training in early childhood education as the first 43 students complete its Elementar+ programme this week, ORF’s Styria service reported.

Introduced in 2023, the part-time course is unique in Austria and provides continuing education for 300 students a year. The first cohort is moving into the field after studying while already working in childcare facilities, said Catherine Walter-Laager, the university’s vice-rector and head of its Centre for Professionalisation in Early Childhood Education. Many are expected to take leadership roles as group-leading educators.

The programme is delivered online and has grown from 50 places a year to 300. Walter-Laager said the places are secured for the next three years with support from the education minister. Applications for the next courses in March are still open.

The university also offers Austria’s only master’s degree in early childhood education. A new bachelor’s programme is due to begin in the winter semester, with no limit on places. Applications for February and March will open again soon, Walter-Laager said.