Expand+Programme Entry Requirements:

Level 5 Certificate or equivalent.

As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.

If you take this course by distance learnin...

Hide-Programme Entry Requirements:

Level 5 Certificate or equivalent.

As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.

If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you. You can complete and return assignments / projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.

If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.

Expand+Who should complete this course?

Students who wish to gain a FETAC credit in Social & Legal issues in Childcare at Level 6

Students who wish to understand the social policy and legislation relevant to early childhood education and care settings...

Hide-Who should complete this course?

Students who wish to gain a FETAC credit in Social & Legal issues in Childcare at Level 6

Students who wish to understand the social policy and legislation relevant to early childhood education and care settings, children and their families and the skills necessary for dealing with child protection issues.

Learners who successfully complete this course will:

Be equipped with knowledge, skill and competence in relation to factors which influence the health and well being of children, child protection issues, the legislative and policy frameworks which influence the childcare sector, equality and diversity guidelines, key skills required of the childcare worker and personal reflection strategies. These will enable the learner to devise, implement and evaluate policies and procedures that support the health and wellbeing of children in the provision and delivery of service in an ECCE setting.

This distance learning, FETAC accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification.

Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration. The course documentation for this FETAC certified course is detailed and easy to read. If students require extra time to complete the course they can apply for an extension.

Expand+Topics covered include:

Factors which influence children’s health and well being including:

•family structure
•community
•culture
•education
•health
•social services
•social status
•international perspectives
•theorists such as Maria M...

Hide-Topics covered include:

Factors which influence children’s health and well being including:

•family structure
•community
•culture
•education
•health
•social services
•social status
•international perspectives
•theorists such as Maria Montessori, John Locke, Charles Darwin, Jean Jacques Rousseau and Friedrich Froebel
•domestic factors.

Child protection:

•Measures to safeguard the child, for example security arrangements, safety procedures and organisation outings

•Child abuse (types of abuse, disclosure of abuse, short, medium and long term actions).

Legislation and Policy:

•Irish Government and Childcare (e.g. units within the OMCYA and the Dept of Education and Science)

•Government initiatives (e.g. National Children’s Strategy, National Childminding Initiative and Guidelines)

•HSE and Childcare (e.g. Pre-school Inspection Services, Child Minder Advisory Service)

•Social Policy (e.g. Government Social Policy such as the ECCE scheme, Aistear and Siolta)

•Irish Legal System

•Legislation impacting directly on the ECCE setting such as Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No.2) Regulations 2006, Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003

•Family Law such as Child Care Act 1991, Children Act 2001, Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, Status of Children Act 1987, Adoption Act 1988, Domestic Violence Act 1996 and the Child Care Amendment Act 2007

•Influence of the EU

•National Guidelines.

Equality and Diversity issues:

•Influencing legislations including The Employment Equality Act 1988, The Equal Status Act 2000, The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 The Equality Act 2004 and The Disability Act 2005

•Equality Authority and Office of the Director of Equality Investigations

•Personal Values

•Anti Bias

•Equality proofing and Diversity.

Key Skills:
•Interpersonal skills
•Communication including verbal and non-verbal communication
•Disseminating information
•Confidentiality
•Teamwork
•Professional Contacts.

Personal Reflection:
•Four C’s of reflection
•Personal experiences
•Theoretical learning
•Strengths and areas for development
•Improving Personal Effectiveness including up skilling, continuous professional development, regular reviews and feedback and networking.