ANKSTYVASIS APLINKOSAUGINIS UGDYMAS: UNIVERSITETINIŲ STUDIJŲ VAIDMUO RENGIANT IKIMOKYKLINIO UGDYMO MOKYTOJUS [EARLY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN PREPARING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TEACHERS]

Early environmental education is considered a crucial prerequisite for sustainable development, particularly in light of the growing complexity of environmental issues and the increasing impact of human activities on the environment. The role of university studies in preparing preschool teachers to implement environmental education at an early age in a focused and effective manner is undoubtedly very significant. Based on the findings of international and national studies, it can be said that the environmental knowledge of pre-service teachers often remains fragmented/incomplete and is not sufficiently transformed into practical educational competencies. Although Lithuanian national education documents emphasize the integration of environmental education, experiential learning, outdoor activities, and the application of STEAM methods/techniques, environmental education in university study programs often lacks a coherent structure or independent module status. There is a clear need to significantly strengthen the training of pre-service preschool teachers in the field of environmental education. It is particularly important to introduce targeted environmental education modules, expand the range of practical activities, and promote interdisciplinary integration. This approach creates the conditions for building teachers' professional confidence and ensuring high-quality environmental education at an early age.