The objective of CREATECH was to strengthen the quality and relevance of early childhood education and care (ECEC) by introducing sustainable pedagogical practices that support children’s participation, creativity & transversal competences. The project aimed to contribute to structural change by equipping educators with practical methods to integrate cultural heritage, creative expression and meaningful use of digital technology into everyday pedagogy. A central goal was to strengthen the professional competences of kindergarten teachers in using digital tools as instruments of creativity, collaboration and self-expression. Through international and national training, mentoring and hands-on implementation, educators developed skills in digital pedagogy, culturally responsive education and phenomenon-based learning. For children, the project sought to provide opportunities for creative expression, participation and social learning. Through long-term pedagogical projects, children explored their local environments and cultural heritage, created stories and digital content, and engaged in collaborative learning processes that strengthened agency, communication and cultural awareness.
CREATECH responded to emerging needs in early childhood education and supported the shift toward high-quality, holistic learning environments highlighted in European policy recommendations. Kindergartens are increasingly expected to support children’s learning, wellbeing and transversal competences through child-centred, methodologically versatile pedagogy. CREATECH strengthened practices based on children’s interests, participation and holistic development. It promoted phenomena-based, cross-curricular and transmedia approaches and introduced digital tools as instruments of participation, co-creation and creative expression. A key need addressed was the gap between the availability of technology and its meaningful pedagogical use. Through professional learning combined with immediate classroom implementation, CREATECH equipped teachers with confidence and practical know-how to integrate digital tools and creative technology into everyday practice in age-appropriate ways. Increasing cultural diversity highlights the need for intercultural understanding. By exploring locally meaningful heritage and environments through past, present and future perspectives, children strengthened community connections and intercultural dialogue.