Early childhood education courses can help you learn how to support the learning, development, and well-being of young children through age-appropriate teaching practices.
The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

The State University of New York
Skills you'll gain: Child Development, Childhood Education and Development, Working With Children, Teaching, Family Support, Parent Communication, Cultural Diversity, Diversity Awareness, Classroom Management, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Curriculum Development, Policy Development, Rapport Building, Creativity, Data Collection, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Commonwealth Education Trust
Skills you'll gain: Pedagogy, Communication Strategies, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Course Development, Student Engagement, Working With Children, Professional Development, Self-Awareness, Cultural Diversity
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Utrecht University
Skills you'll gain: Child Development, Human Development, Speech Language Pathology, Developmental Disabilities, Systems Thinking, Pediatrics, Research, Neurology, Cultural Diversity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Parent Communication, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Child Development, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Commonwealth Education Trust
Skills you'll gain: Diversity Awareness, Parent Communication, Cultural Diversity, Relationship Building, Working With Children, Classroom Management, Teaching, Community Outreach, Student Engagement, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Commonwealth Education Trust
Skills you'll gain: Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning, Teaching, Education and Training, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Pedagogy, Student-Centred Learning, Collaboration, Learning Theory, Planning
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Stanford University
Skills you'll gain: Nutrition Education, Cooking, Meal Planning And Preparation, Nutrition and Diet, Food Safety and Sanitation, Child Health, Working With Children, Food Quality Assurance And Control, Parent Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University at Buffalo
Skills you'll gain: Classroom Management, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Student Engagement, Psychiatric Assessments, Parent Communication, Behavior Management, Positive Behavior Support, Working With Children, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Treatment Planning, Diagnostic Tests, Child Development, Planning, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Commonwealth Education Trust
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Teaching, Lesson Planning, Pedagogy, Trustworthiness, Student Engagement, Instructional Strategies, Learning Theory, Curriculum Planning, Instructional Design, Adult Learning Principles, Goal Setting, Relationship Building, Professional Development, Collaboration, Constructive Feedback
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The State University of New York
Skills you'll gain: Injury Prevention, Child Development, Childhood Education and Development, Working With Children, Business Planning, Accident Prevention, Teaching, Family Support, Emotional Intelligence, Emergency Response, Parent Communication, Cultural Diversity, Diversity Awareness, Nutrition and Diet, Safety Training, Business, Small Business Accounting, Tax Management, Policy Development, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Communication Disorders, Neurology, School Psychology, Patient Evaluation, Disabilities, Special Education, Pediatrics, Child Development, Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Assessment, Mental Health, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Occupational Therapy, Psychological Evaluations
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Teaching, Social Justice, Emotional Intelligence, Social Skills, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Higher Education, Behavior Management, Classroom Management, Cultural Responsiveness, Curriculum Planning, School Psychology, Empowerment, Personal Development, Childhood Education and Development, Program Evaluation, Advocacy, Professional Development, Growth Mindedness, Mindfulness
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Browse the early childhood education courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Yes. You can start learning early childhood education on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in early childhood education, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
You’ll learn about child development stages, positive behavior guidance, inclusive teaching practices, and the role of play and creativity in learning. Courses often explore how to support social-emotional growth and foster curiosity in young learners.
Not at all. Many courses are designed for parents, caregivers, or anyone curious about supporting young children’s learning and well-being. More advanced content is available for educators and early learning professionals.