The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) together with the Institute of Community Services (ICS) held the Early Years forum on campus in Paola.

The forum aimed to foster the creative co-construction of knowledge in local Kinder Garten settings. The College through the Institute of Community Services is working to empower Kinder Garten educators in order to manifest their creativity through the use of arts.

MCAST academics, industry practitioners and education professionals attended the event and shared ideas on active education within the Kinder Garten education sector.

MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “Addressing challenges within early education is on MCAST’s agenda. This event is pivotal since it allows our researchers and academics to collaborate with industry practitioners and early years educators. These discussions allow us to understand gaps within this sector and help us address them by providing tangible solutions stemmed from rigorous research projects and initiatives.”

The Institute of Community Services makes every effort to address potential gaps within the education sector through networking opportunities, conferences, industry collaboration initiatives and research projects, including dissertations that produce tangible results within the sector.

Speaking during the event MCAST Director for the Institute of Community Services Ms Ann Marie Cassar said, “This event aims to empower Kinder Garten educators to help children transform themselves into active agents in their own learning. This discussion with stakeholders involved ensures that our learning experience at MCAST is aligned with classroom practice”.

The Institute of Community Services offers a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years, a Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Years. Interested applicants can follow this link to gain more information on entry requirements, and application procedures.