The overall objective of this project was to lay the foundations for the implementation and uptake of STEAM approach in early childhood education, by making knowledge and activities related with science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics available for early childhood education teachers and children (from 3 to 6 years old). To achieve the aforementioned objective, the following specific objectives were target: >Build the capacity of early childhood education teachers, in promoting children’s interest and excellence in STEAM. >Develop quality resources for STEAM culture in preschools, based on good practices and scientific findings. >Improve the overall quality of the early educational system in Portugal and Greece.
“Quality early childhood education and care plays a particularly important role, and should be further reinforced as a basis for future educational success” (Council Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030)). Nevertheless, although Europe has been making progress in recent years regarding early childhood education, finding new innovative ways to support both Educators and Students, the recent events with the general lockdown and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic redirect the efforts from educators and decision makers in education to different areas of action. For this purpose, this project intended to support early childhood education, in the area of preventive and proactive education that builds STEAM and creativity skills with young learners. The option for the STEAM approach allowed the participating countries – Portugal and Greece – to promote the development of 21st Century skills like adaptability, problem solving, complex communication and system thinking; and, these skills are crucial for children self-development and good predictors for their school performance (Beyond Academic Learning, OECD, 2021).