The course is based on an understanding of children that emphasizes children’s participation and children’s competences, a societal view that emphasizes responsibility for the environment and sustainable development, and a view on culture that embraces both cultural heritage and cultural criticism. The course gives the students an insight into children’s culture and the formative influences that are part of the processes in a child’s development.

Other values fundamental for this course are gender equality and equality between all people in a social and ethnic diversity. Accompanying this are moral values which constitute the foundation for a modern democracy, and are in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Human Rights. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) forms the ethical foundation by emphasizing the child’s rights to a life that allows a physical, spiritual, moral and social development. 

This course will contribute to the development of a beginner teacher with the ability to support and promote an inclusive, stimulating and child friendly learning environment. He/she will take responsibility of his/her continuing professional development and engage in ongoing comparative reflection and learning as early childhood teachers with intercultural experience.

International students have to take the course "NECEC2300 Early Childhood Education and Care" together with the course "ECEC for Sustainability".