What is Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme supporting education, training, youth and sport. For early childhood educators and leaders, it offers opportunities to learn abroad through structured courses and job shadowing.
Participation is organised through your sending institution and its Erasmus+ project. Your learning experience should support both your professional development and your organisation’s goals.
Who is it for
- Early childhood teachers and educators.
- Pedagogical leaders and heads of settings.
- Professionals responsible for staff development.
- Trainers and other education professionals whose work connects with early childhood education.
Eligibility for Erasmus+ depends on your organisation, role and project. Your Erasmus+ coordinator or National Agency can help you identify the appropriate route.
How Erasmus+ can support your participation
Depending on your approved project and its funding rules, Erasmus+ may contribute towards:
- Travel to and from Estonia.
- Accommodation and daily living costs.
- Course fees for eligible structured courses.
- Additional support for participants with fewer opportunities.
Funding is calculated according to programme rules and your project’s grant agreement. It is a contribution towards eligible costs and may not cover every expense.
Before booking, ask your sending organisation to confirm the available budget, eligible activity and any requirements you need to follow.
What you can do at Väike Päike
Training courses
Join a structured professional development course combining practical workshops, discussion, reflection and exchange of experience.
Our courses draw on the everyday work of Väike Päike’s childcare centres and kindergartens, connecting educational ideas with practice.
Teaching for the Future
The Estonian Early Childhood Education Model
A five-day course exploring child-centred learning, learning environments, self-regulation and playful STEAM. Observe practice, try activities and develop an action plan for your own setting.
AI, Digital Pedagogy and Personalised Learning in Early Childhood
A five-day course exploring how AI and digital tools can support thoughtful planning, observation and personalised learning. Practise evaluating AI-generated resources and adapting activities to children’s needs.
Job shadowing
Learn alongside early childhood professionals in their everyday working environment.
Our proposed three- to five-day programme combines observation, conversations with educators and guided reflection. Depending on your learning goals and the host setting, you can explore:
- Child-centred and play-based learning.
- Daily routines, relationships and the adult’s role.
- Learning environments supporting independence and choice.
- Self-regulation and children’s participation.
- Outdoor learning and playful inquiry.
- Observation, documentation and support for children’s development.
The host setting, mentor, learning objectives and programme are agreed before your visit. Availability depends on the focus of your visit and the capacity of our centres.
Discover job shadowing
Support with your Erasmus+ application
We can support your organisation in preparing an Erasmus+ funding application that connects your team’s learning needs with meaningful professional development.
We can help you:
- Identify your organisation’s development needs and learning goals.
- Choose suitable courses or job shadowing activities.
- Structure your project idea and describe the expected learning outcomes.
- Plan how participants will apply and share their learning.
- Review draft sections and provide feedback on clarity and coherence.
We work alongside your team, while your organisation leads and submits the application. Contact us to discuss the support you need and agree the scope of our involvement.
How to join us
1 Start with your learning goals
Think about what you would like to explore or improve in your work. Would a structured course or observation-based job shadowing best support those goals?
2 Check your organisation’s Erasmus+ arrangements
Ask your head of setting or Erasmus+ coordinator whether your organisation already has funding available for staff mobility.
If your organisation is new to Erasmus+, it can explore a short-term mobility project or participation in an existing accredited mobility consortium. Organisations planning regular mobility can also consider Erasmus accreditation.
Your National Agency can advise on eligibility, application routes and deadlines.
3 Contact Väike Päike
Tell us:
- Your organisation and country.
- Your role and learning interests.
- The course or job shadowing programme you are interested in.
- Your preferred dates and number of participants.
- Whether funding is confirmed or you are preparing an application.
We will discuss programme availability, fees and practical arrangements with you.
Preparing and building on your visit
4 Agree the programme and arrangements
Before confirming participation, we agree the learning programme, dates, fees, package inclusions and the documentation needed by your sending organisation.
For job shadowing, we also agree the host setting, mentor and observation focus.
Once your participation and funding arrangements are confirmed, you can finalise travel and accommodation.
5 Learn reflect and share
During your time with us, connect new ideas with your own experience and identify practical next steps.
After returning home, share your learning with colleagues and use your action plan to support development in your setting.
What we help you plan
We work with you and your sending organisation to clarify:
- The programme and intended learning outcomes.
- How the activity connects with your professional goals.
- Dates, availability, fees and included services.
- Preparation and practical participation requirements.
- The arrangements for documenting participation and learning.
Your sending organisation remains responsible for its funding application, participant selection and project reporting.
Why learn with Väike Päike
Our Training Centre is part of Väike Päike Children’s Club, which has been developing and providing early childhood services in Estonia since 2003.
Our own childcare centres and kindergartens connect professional learning with everyday practice. You can explore how learning environments, adult interactions, play and observation support children’s development.
As part of Väike Päike International, we bring together practical experience, professional development and child development expertise.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for Erasmus+ funding as an individual
For school education staff mobility, applications are made by eligible organisations. Speak to your employer or Erasmus+ coordinator about taking part through your organisation’s project.
Does my organisation need Erasmus accreditation
Accreditation is one route, but it is not the only one. Eligible organisations can also explore short-term mobility projects or joining an accredited mobility consortium.
Can I contact you before our funding is approved
Yes. You are welcome to discuss a programme while preparing your project. Please tell us that funding is still pending so we can clarify the next steps. We can also discuss support with preparing your application.
Are the programmes delivered in English
Our international courses are planned in English. For job shadowing, English-language mentoring arrangements are agreed before participation.
Is a study visit the same as job shadowing
A study visit introduces an organisation and its practices. Job shadowing is a structured learning activity involving observation and interaction with a designated mentor. For Erasmus+ participation, the activity must meet the requirements of the relevant mobility format.
Can I participate without Erasmus+ funding
Yes. You can enquire about joining through your organisation’s professional development budget or other funding arrangements.
Useful Erasmus+ information
For current eligibility rules, application deadlines and funding conditions, consult the official Erasmus+ guidance and your National Agency.
Staff training opportunities in school education
Find your Erasmus+ National Agency
Erasmus+ Programme Guide for school education mobility
Let’s plan your learning experience
Already have Erasmus+ funding, or preparing your first project?
Tell us what you would like to learn, and we will help you explore a suitable course or job shadowing programme in Estonia.