Author(s)

Yunli Song ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Yancheng Xindu Road Experimental School, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224055, China

Corresponding Author

Yunli Song

ABSTRACT

This article examines whether sustainability education is appropriate for children in early years education and explores the most effective forms it can take. Drawing on current policy frameworks, educational research, and developmental theories, the discussion demonstrates that introducing concepts of sustainability at a young age is not only suitable but also beneficial for cognitive, social, and emotional development. The article highlights how ESD aligns with children's natural learning processes through play, exploration, and collaborative activities. Examples from international policies and research studies are utilized to support the integration of ESD in early years curricula. The article concludes with recommendations for practical and developmentally appropriate methods to embed ESD in early childhood education settings, ensuring that sustainable attitudes and behaviors are nurtured from the earliest stages of learning.

KEYWORDS

Education for Sustainable Development, Early Childhood Education, Sustainability, ESD, Young Learners, Environmental Education, Holistic Development, Curriculum, Policy, Child Development

CITE THIS PAPER

Yunli Song. Critical Perspectives and Implementation Strategies for Early Childhood Sustainability Education. Curriculum and Teaching Methodology (2026). Vol. 9, No. 3, 69-75. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/curtm.2026.090309.

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