Inter-University Postgraduate Program

The Department of Early Childhood Education and Care at the University of West Attica and the Department of Special Education at the University of Thessaly propose the establishment of an Inter-University Postgraduate Program entitled:

“Mental Health and Education in Infancy and Early Childhood: Assessment, Early Intervention, and Inclusion.”

The purpose of the proposed program is for graduates to acquire the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills to conduct the necessary actions that promote infant and young childrens’ mental health and well-being. Mental health problems that appear during infancy and early childhood do not simply disappear as the child grows older. On the contrary, relevant research indicates that approximately 60% of individuals who experienced mental health problems as infants or young children, present serious difficulties in their emotional, cognitive, and social development, in acquiring academic knowledge, and in peer relations.

Therefore, the identification and management of mental health problems in infants and young children by professionals is of paramount importance for improving the functioning of both the infants and young children themselves and their families, preventing possible long-term serious consequences on the psychological, social, and economic level, and facilitating inclusion in social, educational, and professional contexts. Despite the recognition of the pressing need for early childhood specialists to gain expertise in infant and young children’s mental health, there is currently no postgraduate program in this specific field offered in Greece.

Our Vision

To provide education in interdisciplinary fields related to infant and young children’s mental health and education. The program’s mission includes preparing students to address challenges related to managing mental health problems faced by infants and young children and to enhance the well-being of both the children and their families.

Advantages

• The only Inter-Institutional Postgraduate Program in this specific field in Greece.
• Exclusively online teaching.
• Interdisciplinary approach.
• Collaboration between the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care (University of West Attica) and the Department of Special Education (University of Thessaly), both of which specialize in issues related to infant and young children’s mental health, pedagogical frameworks for infants and young children, neurodevelopmental disorders and sensory disabilities, neuroscience, as well as assessment methods, early intervention, and inclusion practices.
• Option to choose between completing a research thesis or additional coursework in the final semester.
• Open to a wide range of professionals involved in the education and care of infants and young children, including: Early Childhood Educators, Special Education Teachers, Primary Education Teachers, Psychologists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Pediatricians, Child Psychiatrists, Nurses, Midwives, Occupational Therapists, Sociologists, Physiotherapists, Health Visitors, and other health professionals