The course will be taught by Pikler® trainers from Budapest and will count as one module of the Basic Pikler Training, leading to becoming a Pikler Pedagogue.

Course outline  

This course is designed for those who would like to deepen their understanding of early childhood care and education through studying the important pedagogical principles of Dr. Emmi Pikler.

Participants will learn about the Pikler perspective on everyday experiences with children and also about the results of research studies carried out by the Pikler® Institute, with a specific focus on Dr Pikler’s ideas regarding infants’ competencies in their autonomous play activity.

During the course we will learn about how infants’ and toddlers’ self-initiated play activity contributes to their well-being and development and will delve into the topic of the development of free play, including its many, often overlooked, stages.

Participants will consider the role of the adult in supporting the infant’s and toddler’s self-initiated play activity and also learn about the environment and materials needed in each phase of development.

On the course we will spend time thinking about:

• The beginning of infant’s play activity

• Development of thinking and playing

• The infant’s attention during play

• Autonomous activity in the parent-child group

• Organizing the conditions of free play in the daycare centre

• How the caregiver supports children’s play