Welcome to the Department of Childhood Education
The Department of Childhood Education is guided and shaped by the University of the Free State’s vision, which has a comprehensive approach to programmes and policies that are student-centered and research-led. This is incorporated in the Faculty of Education’s vision, which affirms the dignity of the students, staff, and community with which it engages, and draws on their diversity as a source of strength. The department prides itself on and respects the teaching profession – and the people who form part of it are key. In isiZulu we say, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” (“a person is a person through other people”).
Core Activities
Our core activities comprise teaching and learning, research, and engaged scholarship activities.
Research
Research projects in the department are focused on teaching and learning strategies in classrooms, and curriculum innovations in Early Childhood Education. Through research activities, the department seeks to contribute to the understanding and improvement of teaching and learning in the Early Childhood Development and Learning segment.