When people hear the terms ‘artificial intelligence’ and ‘kindergarten’ used together, they usually react in one of two ways: either they are curious, or they are concerned.

Both are understandable. AI is changing the way we work, communicate and learn, and early childhood education is no exception. The question is not whether AI will reach this sector, but whether educators will have the knowledge and confidence to use it effectively.

This is the question that Digital ECEC 2 is trying to answer.

The project’s training course is based on the idea that teachers and parents do not need to become technology experts. Instead, they need to understand what AI tools are, what they can and cannot do, and how to use them safely and ethically in their everyday work.

The course covers eight areas. Some are practical, such as using AI to create educational content, design activities, or manage classroom administration. Others explore deeper issues, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical implications of integrating AI into environments involving young children.

All eight partner organisations have contributed to the development of the course, each bringing a different perspective to the project. Once testing is complete, the course will be made available free of charge on the project platform in five languages: English, Lithuanian, Greek, Italian and Serbian.

The course aims to provide educators and parents with a practical and honest introduction to AI, encouraging them to understand it rather than fear or uncritically embrace it.