The training course will be based on the teacher education curriculum design principles and guidelines formulated in the EU-funded project Creative Little Scientists (FP7/2007-2013, no289081, www.creative-little-scientists.eu).

The training course aims and objectives promote the overall objective:

• To foster creative approaches to science and mathematics learning in preschool and the first years of primary school.

More specific aims and objectives of the training course for early years educators include:

• to use inquiry-based science education approaches;
• to use creative approaches in teaching science and mathematics;
• to have positive attitudes towards learning and teaching science, mathematics and creativity;
• to succeed in affecting a positive impact on the ongoing learning processes and learning outcomes of children in the field of science and mathematics, including generating children’s interest in science and mathematics, avoiding the emergence of misconceptions and stereotypical images;
• to act as innovators, researchers and reflective practitioners;
• to engage in communities and partnerships with other stakeholders (other teachers, parents, professional associations, experts, etc.).

Finally, the training course aims to extend the applicability of the proposed teacher education curriculum guidelines to include a variety of teacher education systems and countries in Europe. The training course participants will have direct input to this process, and thus to the refinement of these guidelines, by becoming part, should they wish to, of the communities of stakeholders (teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum designers) involved in the related focus group discussions, testing and validation processes.

A set of case studies exemplifying best practices in fostering the development of children’s creativity will be available to the course participants as part of their training pack.