Expand+The Diploma/Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Studies and Practice) has been developed to meet the identified needs of practitioners in the childcare sector who wish to pursue further education and training in a flexible manner, complimenting and sup...

Hide-The Diploma/Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Studies and Practice) has been developed to meet the identified needs of practitioners in the childcare sector who wish to pursue further education and training in a flexible manner, complimenting and supporting continued employment. This 4 year part-time programme of study, with options for interim exit awards*, builds on practical experience, enhancing the learner’s skills through exposure to theory, policy, research and work-based learning opportunities. It also aims to provide practitioners currently working in the field of early childhood care and practice an opportunity to upgrade their qualifications, to further develop their skills and to enhance their existing knowledge.

*You may exit with a Certificate in Early Childhood Studies and Practice (45 ECTS) at the end of Year 1, a Diploma (90 ECTS) at the end of Year 2 and a Degree (180 ECTS) at the end of Year 4.

Who’s Suited to This Course

This course was developed in response to the identified needs of childcare practitioners who may already posses a recognised qualification at NFQ levels 5 or 6 and who wish to upgrade their qualification in a manner that will support their continued employment and their workplace. Alternatively, potential students without a recognised qualification, but with extensive experience in the childcare care and education sector, are also encouraged to apply. It is particularly suitable for:

Early year practitioners in crèches, pre-schools, school age childcare services, special education services and childminding settings

Managers of crèches, pre-schools, school age services, special education services

Early childhood practitioners in the Health Services Executive and Tusla: the new Child and Family Support Agency
City and County Childcare Committee members and staff of National Voluntary Childcare Organisations

Practitioners in the child and family support sector
Special Needs Assistants working with Infants classes
Early Years Specialists working in advisory or mentoring roles, or those aspiring to such positions

Learning Outcomes

The BA in Early Childhood Studies and Practice will provide you with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the core early years knowledge areas and the confidence to apply this knowledge in support of young children’s needs. You will learn about:

Child development including key theorists and the influence of environmental, biological, social and cultural factors on growth and development.

Approaches to curriculum for early childhood and processes involved in curriculum development.

The role and importance of play.

Socialisation and the significance it has for the development of social competencies in children.

The importance of parental involvement in early years care and education. Leadership and management skills and their significance for quality provision in the early years sector.

Using experiential learning to underpin and reinforce understanding is a key component of this programme. You will learn the skills of reflective practice and how to use them in your daily work practices so that you can apply the core knowledge and skills acquired throughout this programme. You will see your competencies expand and grow, improving your ability as a professional practitioner with an in-depth understanding of the holistic needs of children and families, the importance of evidenced-informed practice and the role of early years services in the broader community and policy context.

Expand+Course Outline

This programme of study builds year to year on the skills and knowledge students develop through their exposure to key areas of the course, including theory, social policy, the development of research skills, and the enhancement of ...

Hide-Course Outline

This programme of study builds year to year on the skills and knowledge students develop through their exposure to key areas of the course, including theory, social policy, the development of research skills, and the enhancement of practical experiential learning opportunities. By the completion of year four, the graduate emerges as a reflective practitioner with an in-depth understanding of the holistic needs of children and families and the role of early years services in the broader community and policy context.

Year One
Introduction to Learning (5 ECTS)
Psychology: The Developing Child 1 (10 ECTS)
Creative Development in Early Years (5 ECTS)
Child Protection and Safety in Childcare Services (10 ECTS)
Health, Hygiene and Nutrition in Early Childhood (5 ECTS)
Work-based Project: Year 1 (10 ECTS)

Year Two
Psychology: The Developing Child 2 (10 ECTS)
Implementing the Early Learning Curriculum (10 ECTS)
The Child and Family in Irish Law (5 ECTS)
Quality Awareness in Early Learning (10 ECTS)
Work-based Project: Year 2 (10 ECTS)

Year Three
Children and Families in Society (10 ECTS)
Working in Varied Care and Education Settings (5 ECTS)
Management Skills for Childcare Environments (10 ECTS)
Effective Leadership for the Childcare Sector (5 ECTS)
Social Research Methodologies (5 ECTS)
Work-based Project: Year 3 (10 ECTS)

Year Four
Promoting Inclusion in Early Years Care and Education (10 ECTS)
Irish Social, Family and Early Years Pollicy: Critical Analysis (10 ECTS)
Critical Reflection on Learning and Practice (5 ECTS)
Research Dissertation (20 ECTS)

Expand+Workshops
Students will be expected to attend a number of full day workshops throughout each academic year (September to May). In the main, these workshops will be held on Saturdays, with higher weighted modules requiring an additional two or three ...

Hide-Workshops
Students will be expected to attend a number of full day workshops throughout each academic year (September to May). In the main, these workshops will be held on Saturdays, with higher weighted modules requiring an additional two or three Friday workshops each year. Dates for all workshops will be provided to students at the commencement of each academic year. Workshops will be organised to be geographically accessible to the majority of learners. To date, a number of outreach centres have been established throughout the country. Previous venues have included Galway, Limerick, Cork, Donegal, Dundalk and Cavan. The number and location of venues held each year of the programme is contingent on student uptake, the geographical spread of applicants and the availability of resources to support the programme.

Assessment
Assessment techniques may include a range of the following: written assignments, reflective learning journals, portfolios, presentations, group projects and written examinations (which take place in NUI Galway).

Expand+Further Education
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts programme may wish to pursue their education and would be qualified to do so in a range of areas including higher diplomas or master degrees in early childhood care and education, community develop...

Hide-Further Education
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts programme may wish to pursue their education and would be qualified to do so in a range of areas including higher diplomas or master degrees in early childhood care and education, community development, education and training, family studies and family support, to name a few.

Career Opportunities

Your career opportunities will grow as you will be able to hold a wider variety of occupational roles. Upon completion of this degree course, students will be qualified to be employed in a variety of early years settings, including preschool settings, full daycares/crèches, playgroups, after school settings, drop in centres as well as a range of specialised locations such as family intervention settings. Due to the extensive range of course topics covered, the graduate will be skilled in a wide range of issues and areas that might also see them employed in early years support organisations, such as county/city childcare committees, in community outreach and development settings, family and community resource centres, or at a national level contributing to policy or programme development arena.