Expand+2 years

Mode of Study
Part Time

Method of Delivery
Classroom, Online

Year 1
Monday and Wednesday 6pm-9pm and 4 Saturdays per semester

Year 2
Monday and Wednesday 6pm-9pm and 4 Saturdays per semester
Blended learning will support deli...

Hide-2 years

Mode of Study
Part Time

Method of Delivery
Classroom, Online

Year 1
Monday and Wednesday 6pm-9pm and 4 Saturdays per semester

Year 2
Monday and Wednesday 6pm-9pm and 4 Saturdays per semester
Blended learning will support delivery Academic modules will run over two semesters per year commencing in September and January respectively.

Placement project will be completed from June – August in both years, supported by the student's work-based experience over the course of the programme.

Expand+Minimum Entry Requirements?

Leaving Certificate
QQI-FET Graduates
Mature Applicants

The minimum entry standard for Leaving Certificate graduates progressing to an ab-initio Ordinary Degree (NFQ Level 7) programme is a grade O6/H7 in five subj...

Hide-Minimum Entry Requirements?

Leaving Certificate
QQI-FET Graduates
Mature Applicants

The minimum entry standard for Leaving Certificate graduates progressing to an ab-initio Ordinary Degree (NFQ Level 7) programme is a grade O6/H7 in five subjects, these subjects must include Maths and English or Irish. Foundation level mathematics will meet the minimum entry requirement where a grade F2 or higher is achieved. The minimum entry standards for FETAC graduates is a full level 5 on QQI.

Applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience working in a recognised early childhood environment and continue to hold an early childhood position for the duration of the course.

Statement from the Employer

Applications will not be accepted without a written statement from your employer covering each of the points below. If you are self-employed please provide full details of the status of your organisation as well as details on yourself as an applicant.

Please provide details of the organisation for which the applicant is
employed.

• Give details of the length of time the applicant has been working in the organisation.

• Outline the roles and responsibilities of the applicant in the organisation in the timeframe stated above, including promotions and progressions, clearly
indicating the specific nature of the applicant’s current role.

• Please provide an assurance that the applicant is likely to remain in employment for the duration of their programme of study (2 years).

Applicants who are deemed eligible based on their written statements and the statement provided by their employer, will be shortlisted. In some instances applicants may also be invited to an interview.

Garda Vetting Requirements:

Garda vetting is a requirement of all employees of early childhood settings and as such, is a requirement of entry to the work-based BA Early Childhood Care and Education.

In addition to Garda vetting a medical assessment and provision of personal references may be required in regard to suitability for working with children.

Expand+This work-based programme in Early Childhood Care and Education is designed for people who have been working in the childcare sector for a number of years and who may already hold some qualifications in the childcare area, but now wish to obtain acad...

Hide-This work-based programme in Early Childhood Care and Education is designed for people who have been working in the childcare sector for a number of years and who may already hold some qualifications in the childcare area, but now wish to obtain academic qualifications to degree level.

Its overall aim is to produce competent and skilled early childhood professionals through a programme which provides a structured interaction between theory and practice. The programme is underpinned by policy documents such as the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations, Aistear : The early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Siolta.

IT Requirements: Students on this course will be required to have a medium spec computer/laptop (i.e. able to run Win 10, an AV solution and Office comfortably. It should be able to use Wi-fi and camera in order to attend online classes, and use other software such as SPSS, Adobe Connect; e.g. Latitude 5510; Latitude 5410;

Expand+The course is offered over two years on a part-time basis and is designed on the basis of core strands which allow for the development of knowledge and skills in a range of relevant areas. These core strands are outlined below:

Year 1 Semester 1
...

Hide-The course is offered over two years on a part-time basis and is designed on the basis of core strands which allow for the development of knowledge and skills in a range of relevant areas. These core strands are outlined below:

Year 1 Semester 1
Child Development 1
Drama and Movement
Sociology of Childhood
Health & Wellbeing in the Early Years
Child Centred Practice
Skills for Success in Higher Education

Year 1 Semester 2
Child Development 2
Art & Music
Social Institutions and the Early Years
Health & Safety in the Early Years
Early Learning
Early Childhood Curriculum

Year 1 Semester 3
Practice Placement*
Practice Placement Project

Year 2 Semester 1
Psychology and Learning in Early Childhood
Team & Group Dynamics in the Childcare Sector
Childhood and Social Policy
Literacy & Numeracy
Curriculum & Pedagogy
Outdoor Learning & Risky Play

Year 2 Semester 2
Language Acquisition
Creative Group Facilitation for Young Children
Legal Studies for Early Childhood Care and Education
Professional Practice & Child Protection
Equality & Diversity in Early Childhood
Research Methods for the Early Years

Year 2 Semester 3
Advanced Practice Placement*
Advanced Placement Project**
* Practice Placement will be graded on a Pass / Fail basis and these 20 credits will not be included in the calculation of the GPA for the stage

** Advanced Practice Placement will be graded on a Pass / Fail basis and these 20 credits will not be included in the calculation of the GPA for the stage

Expand+Graduates of the Early Childhood Care and Education courses work as practitioners and as managers in an early years setting such as crèches, day nurseries, pre-schools, after-school services, special education services, early start classrooms and fa...

Hide-Graduates of the Early Childhood Care and Education courses work as practitioners and as managers in an early years setting such as crèches, day nurseries, pre-schools, after-school services, special education services, early start classrooms and family centres. Graduates also work in the area of project development and in management positions in the Health Service Executive, country childcare committees and in public and voluntary organisations.

On successful completion of this programme, students may enter the one year add-on Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education