What is a study visit?
A study visit is a focused introduction to an organisation, its learning environments and its ways of working. At Väike Päike, it creates space to observe practice, ask questions and exchange experiences with early childhood professionals. Your programme may combine a centre tour, selected observations, conversations with educators or leaders and a facilitated discussion about what you can take back to your own setting.
Who are our visits for?
- Early childhood educators and teaching teams.
- Heads of childcare centres and kindergartens.
- Pedagogical leaders and staff development coordinators.
- Teacher educators and training providers.
- Municipal education specialists and education delegations.
- Organisations exploring cooperation in early childhood education.
Why visit Väike Päike?
Since 2003
Väike Päike Children’s Club has been providing early childhood education and care in Estonia since 2003.
Our Ecosystem
Our childcare centres, kindergartens, Training Centre and DigiLa connect everyday practice with professional learning and development.
Early childhood expertise
Explore Estonian early childhood education practices, drawing on our experience with children aged 0–7.
Opportunities for cooperation
Study visits can lead to further training, pilot activities and international cooperation through Väike Päike International.
What you can explore
We select the themes and host setting together. The programme reflects your learning interests, the practices available at the chosen centre and the time you have for your visit.
Child centred and play based learning
Explore the role of play, relationships and children’s participation. Discuss how educators balance children’s interests with learning aims and how daily routines create opportunities for learning.
Learning environments and independence
Discover how activity areas, accessible materials and the organisation of space can support children’s choices, exploration and independence. Consider the adult’s role in making these environments work.
Self regulation and adult support
Discuss practical approaches to emotional regulation, working memory and inhibitory control. Explore how adult responses, routines and playful activities can support children’s developing skills.
STEAM inquiry and outdoor learning
Explore examples of playful investigation, open-ended materials and learning outdoors. Discuss how educators encourage curiosity, problem-solving and experimentation through experiences relevant to young children.
Observation and child development
Discuss how observations inform activity planning and communication with families. Where relevant, explore prepared examples from DigiLa, our platform for tracking and supporting children’s development.
Leadership and professional development
Exchange ideas about supporting teams, developing shared practice and connecting staff learning with organisational goals. This focus is particularly relevant for leaders and education delegations.
An example of a visit
The sequence below illustrates how a focused visit could work. The final programme is agreed individually.
Visits are planned around children’s routines and the work of the host centre. Access to activities, available staff and photography arrangements are agreed in advance.
Welcome and context
An introduction to Väike Päike and the focus of your visit.
Explore and observe
A guided introduction to selected spaces and practices.
Meet and discuss
Questions and exchange with educators or leaders.
Reflect and connect
Consider ideas for your setting and possible next steps.
How to plan your visit
Tell us about your group
Share your organisation, country, professional roles, approximate group size and preferred dates. Let us know what you would most like to learn and whether the visit is part of a wider project or trip.
Choose the focus
Together, we identify suitable themes and discuss which setting can best support your interests. We clarify the depth of observation, staff discussions and any additional workshop you would like to explore.
Agree the programme and offer
We confirm the proposed host setting, programme, duration, language arrangements, group size, fee and included services. Any travel between locations or additional activities is specified in the offer.
Prepare and visit
Before arrival, we share the agreed practical information. Bring your questions and, if useful, a short introduction to your own setting. During the visit, observe, discuss and reflect on the ideas most relevant to your work.
Practical information
Location
Selected Väike Päike childcare centres and kindergartens in Estonia.
Duration
Agreed according to the focus and scope of the programme.
Dates
By arrangement, subject to host availability.
Group size
Agreed with the host centre to support discussion and everyday routines.
Language
English-language arrangements are confirmed before booking.
Fee
A tailored quotation based on the programme and group size.
What we help you arrange
A visit focus linked to your group’s professional interests.
A suitable host setting and programme.
Conversations with relevant members of our team, subject to availability.
Practical information and clear confirmation of included services.
Time to reflect and discuss possible next steps.
Accommodation, transport, meals, interpretation and additional activities are included only when specified in your offer.
Frequently asked questions
How is a study visit different from a training course
A study visit introduces our settings and practices through observation and discussion. A training course follows a structured learning programme with defined outcomes, practical tasks and reflection. We can discuss adding a workshop to your visit.
How is a study visit different from job shadowing
A study visit provides a focused overview. Job shadowing offers more sustained observation of a professional’s daily work, with a designated mentor and agreed learning goals. If you want a deeper placement over several days, explore our job shadowing programme.
Can we choose the centre and themes
Tell us your interests and any preferred setting. We suggest a suitable option based on your goals and host availability. The final location and programme are confirmed before booking.
Can you welcome a large group
We discuss group size in advance. To support meaningful exchange and respect the centre’s daily routines, the programme may require smaller groups or separate visiting times.
Will we observe children during everyday activities
Observation may form part of the agreed programme where the host setting can accommodate it. The timing and scope are planned around children’s routines and wellbeing. Some themes may be explored through staff discussions and prepared examples.
Can a visit lead to further cooperation
Yes. We can discuss follow-up training, a longer job shadowing experience or cooperation through Väike Päike International. The next steps depend on your organisation’s goals and the scope of the proposed collaboration.
Looking for a longer learning experience
Explore our five-day training courses or discuss a three- to five-day job shadowing programme. If you are planning Erasmus+ mobility, our Erasmus+ page explains the available formats and how to take the next step.
Let’s plan a visit that fits your goals
Tell us who you are, what you would like to explore and when you hope to visit. We will help you identify a suitable programme and discuss availability.