Advanced Skill Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Early Childhood Practitioners
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're excited to have Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in early childhood education, here to discuss her new course, "Advanced Skill Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Early Childhood Practitioners." Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Thanks for having me! This course is designed to help educators, caregivers, and anyone working with children aged 0-5 understand and influence young children's choices. I was inspired by the idea of using behavioral economics to enhance early childhood development and create better learning outcomes. HOST: That sounds fascinating. Can you share some current industry trends related to behavioral economics and early childhood education? GUEST: Absolutely. There's a growing interest in applying behavioral economics to education, especially in the early years. This includes research on nudges, framing effects, and loss aversion, which can improve classroom management, promote healthy habits, and foster positive social-emotional development. HOST: Speaking of nudges, framing effects, and loss aversion, can you explain what those are and why they're important for early childhood practitioners to understand? GUEST: Sure. Nudges are subtle changes in the environment that influence decisions. Framing effects refer to how the way information is presented can impact choices. Loss aversion means people are more motivated by avoiding losses than acquiring gains. Understanding these concepts can help practitioners create supportive learning environments and make better decisions for young children. HOST: That makes sense. What challenges have you encountered in teaching this subject, and how have you addressed them? GUEST: One challenge is making complex economic concepts accessible to non-economists. To overcome this, I use real-world examples, relatable stories, and practical applications to illustrate the key ideas. HOST: Looking forward, where do you see the future of behavioral economics in early childhood education? GUEST: I believe behavioral economics will play an increasingly important role in early childhood education. As we continue to learn more about how young children make decisions, we can develop evidence-based strategies to support their learning, behavior, and well-being. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on the "Advanced Skill Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Early Childhood Practitioners." To learn more about this exciting course, visit our website and explore the program details and application process.
