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At Kindiedays, we believe that high-quality early childhood education is built on continuous learning. While the Kindiedays Academy provides educators with a strong foundation in Finnish early childhood education, professional growth does not end when the training programme is completed.
This is why we created EduCafe—an exclusive professional learning community available only to Kindiedays Curriculum Partner Schools.
What is EduCafe?
EduCafe is a series of professional development sessions designed specifically for educators working in Kindiedays partner schools worldwide.
Each EduCafe focuses on a different pedagogical topic and provides teachers with:
- Research-based knowledge
- Practical classroom ideas
- Finnish educational perspectives
- Opportunities for reflection and discussion
- Ongoing support beyond the Kindiedays Academy
The purpose of EduCafe is to help educators deepen their understanding of key concepts in early childhood education and confidently apply them in their daily practice.
Most importantly, EduCafe ensures that learning continues long after teachers have completed the Kindiedays Academy. It allows educators to stay up to date, explore new topics, and continue growing professionally alongside a global community of fellow educators.
EduCafe Topic: Technology & Screen Time in Early Childhood Education
On Saturday, June 6th, educators from Kindiedays partner schools joined us for an engaging EduCafe session on Technology & Screen Time in Early Childhood Education.
Technology is becoming an increasingly visible part of children's lives. As educators, we are often faced with important questions:
- How does screen time affect children's development?
- What does current research tell us about technology use in the early years?
- What role should technology play in play-based learning?
- How can technology support learning without replacing meaningful childhood experiences?
During the session, participants explored research related to screen time, brain development, attention, sleep, physical activity, and social interactions. We also discussed recommendations for technology use in early childhood and reflected on how educators can make informed decisions about digital tools in their classrooms.
Rather than viewing technology as either good or bad, the discussion focused on balance and intentionality.
The Finnish Perspective
A key part of the session explored how technology is approached in Finnish early childhood education.
In Finland, children learn primarily through play, movement, relationships, exploration, and real-world experiences. Technology is not viewed as the centre of learning but rather as one tool among many that can support children's development when used purposefully.
Participants explored practical examples of meaningful technology use, including:
- Pedagogical documentation
- Communication with families
- Digital storytelling
- Child-led investigations
- Coding through play
- Creative multimedia projects
The discussion highlighted an important principle of Finnish pedagogy:
Technology should enhance learning experiences, not replace them.
The Value of Curriculum Partnership
EduCafe is just one example of how Kindiedays supports its Curriculum Partner Schools beyond the initial training phase.
As a Curriculum Partner School, educators gain access to:
- The Kindiedays Curriculum
- The Kindiedays Academy training programme
- Ongoing professional development through EduCafe
- Practical teaching resources and lesson plans
- Continuous pedagogical support
- A global network of educators inspired by Finnish early childhood education
Our goal is not only to provide a curriculum but also to support schools in building a sustainable culture of learning, reflection, and professional growth.
Looking Ahead
We would like to thank all educators who joined this EduCafe session and contributed to the discussion through their questions, experiences, and reflections.
Professional development is a journey, and we are excited to continue learning together through future EduCafe sessions.
Interested in Learning More?
👉 If you would like to learn more about becoming a Kindiedays Curriculum Partner School and the professional development opportunities available through our partnership programme, VISIT OUR WEB PAGE and become a partner school.
❤️ Warm Wishes!
Stella Giota