The program aims to train competent and autonomous education professionals in Preschool Education and Teaching in the 1st Cycle of Basic Education (CEB), fostering a closer connection and coordination between the practices of these two levels to ease children¿s educational transitions. This course is linked to the Bachelor¿s Degree in Basic Education (LCE), as it is a prerequisite for admission to this study cycle. As part of initial teacher training, the program also seeks to establish international cooperation, particularly with Lusophone developing countries.

Applicants must meet the following conditions cumulatively to be eligible for enrollment: Hold a degree in Basic Education (Article 18, Paragraph 2 of Decree-Law No. 79/2014, of May 14). Demonstrate oral and written proficiency in the Portuguese language and mastery of essential rules of logical and critical reasoning (Article 17, Paragraph 1 of Decree-Law No. 79/2014, of May 14).

- Ensure an education that enables consistent professional intervention, fostering active citizenship and sustainable development; - Train professionals capable of integrating and articulating diverse curricular knowledge, ensuring contextualized and meaningful learning in both formal and non-formal educational settings; - Promote the development of relational skills to interact positively and effectively with various stakeholders in the educational community, individually or as part of a team; - Foster an investigative and reflective attitude, based on observing and analyzing educational contexts and practices to seek well-founded solutions using current theoretical frameworks, research, and critical reflection; - Train professionals committed to the education of all students, respecting and valuing diversity and individual needs, while emphasizing ethical and sociocultural dimensions; - Encourage participation, collaboration, and organization of scientific events, either independently or in partnership, both within and outside the training institution.

- Graduates in Basic Education; - Candidates for early childhood education teaching positions (Recruitment Group 100); - Candidates for teaching positions in the 1st Cycle of Basic Education (Recruitment Group 110).

- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the various areas and content domains outlined in the Curricular Guidelines for Preschool Education, as well as in the Programs, Essential Skills, and Curriculum Goals of the 1st Cycle of Basic Education, applying this knowledge in practice; - Show proficiency in active methodologies in basic education to construct knowledge, fostering autonomy, cooperation, creativity, and critical thinking; - Plan, implement, and evaluate actions based on knowledge of the educational community and children, integrating diverse curricular knowledge and pedagogical models to monitor the effectiveness of teaching interventions and children¿s learning; - Participate in scientific and cultural events, as well as the activities of schools and preschools, individually or in teams, aiming to solve problems and exercise active citizenship and promote sustainable development; - Reflect on personal and peer practices through an action-research dynamic (action/reflection/action), engaging in both self-directed and collaborative learning processes; - Address the challenges of diversity with a perspective of education for all, tailored to each individual.

The Master's program grants professional qualification for teaching as an early childhood educator and as a teacher for the 1st Cycle of Basic Education in both public and private educational.