What is ECPBL?
Joyful Learning. Deep Thinking.
At Early Childhood PBL, we champion a way of learning that’s driven by wonder, guided by purpose, and rooted in real experiences.
We help educators implement Project Based Learning designed specifically for young children—from preschool through second grade. Our approach is grounded in child development and early learning pedagogy, blending inquiry, play, and authentic experiences.
Children’s curiosity leads the way, while teachers thoughtfully guide learning to integrate foundational skills in literacy, math, and social and emotional development. This balance creates joyful, hands-on learning that is both meaningful and rigorous.
Unlike general PBL training, we specialize in early childhood. We don’t just adapt PBL for young children—we design it for them.
Standards are embedded through play, engaging learning experiences, and purposeful exploration, helping educators build collaborative, joyful classrooms—whether you're just beginning in PBL or deepening your practice.
Key Features of ECPBL:
Multiple Entry Points: While projects often begin with children’s questions and interests, they can also grow from meaningful product ideas, community needs, foundational skills, or academic standards.
Emergent Literacy Through Authentic Experiences: Projects naturally support early reading, writing, speaking, and listening as children explore ideas, share thinking, and create public products.
Social and Emotional Development through Projects: Projects provide opportunities for children to develop key social and emotional skills, such as collaboration, empathy, and self-regulation, while also building independence as learners. Through problem-solving and reflection, children gain confidence in their abilities to manage tasks and work autonomously.
Authentic Integration of Standards: Rather than treating standards as isolated checklists, ECPBL uses them as meaningful tools to deepen and extend learning within the context of a project.
Child-Centered and Teacher-Guided: Teachers skillfully guide the process—scaffolding inquiry, managing the workflow, and ensuring developmentally appropriate expectations—while following children's lead and honoring their voices.
How ECPBL Transforms Early Childhood Learning
Inquiry-based, hands-on learning sparks curiosity and fosters deep engagement in young children. For educators, it offers a flexible approach to teaching foundational skills, while allowing for creativity and adaptation to children's interests. For students, it builds critical thinking, collaboration, and social and emotional skills, creating a love for learning through meaningful, relevant exploration.
Our Offerings
Online Resources
Newer to ECPBL? Explore our self-paced, introductory online course on ECPBL planning, along with two fully developed projects to get you started on your journey. Or check out our Project Bank with over 30 project ideas to inspire you!
Services
Our expert-led workshops, consulting, and professional development services help educators successfully integrate ECPBL into their teaching practices.
National Conferences
Our national conferences take place in school communities across the country, where educators visit real classrooms, connect with one another, and engage in diverse learning experiences that bring ECPBL to life.
Explore More
Project Bank
A collection of projects implemented with young children to inspire your own practice.
Blog
Insights and stories from educators implementing ECPBL in diverse settings.
Our Book
Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood offers tools, resources, and strategies to support your journey.
