Expand+What is this course about?
This course introduces students to the dynamic landscape of early years care and education provision. Policy, legislation and practice are currently undergoing unprecedented change. Students will have opportunities to deve...

Hide-What is this course about?
This course introduces students to the dynamic landscape of early years care and education provision. Policy, legislation and practice are currently undergoing unprecedented change. Students will have opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and values to support the holistic development of children from birth to six years. Engagement with academic and theoretical literature, classroom simulated practice, and practice placement in early years settings will enable students to develop as reflective early years educators with abilities to articulate what children are learning, how they are learning and the pedagogic approach which underpins their knowledge.

Upon completion of this course, students will have developed knowledge and skills to co-construct learning experiences with children in diverse early years environments. In addition, they should have the ability to work as part of a team, assume responsibility for decisionmaking, and independently conduct primary and secondary research.

Why take this course?
The early years educator plays a pivotal role in the provision of quality care and education. Early years education and care is undergoing rapid change and development in recent times. This course reflects those changes and enables students to engage with the theory and practice of the provision of quality education and care for children from birth to age six. Throughout this course, students will learn how to support children’s strengths, interests and abilities, as well as appreciate the role of the family and society in the provision of education and care in their formative years.

Expand+What can I do after the course?
The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in Ireland can look forward to an exciting, dynamic and challenging future. It requires well informed leaders who are competent and confident in terms of education,...

Hide-What can I do after the course?
The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in Ireland can look forward to an exciting, dynamic and challenging future. It requires well informed leaders who are competent and confident in terms of education, regulation, policy, advocacy etc. Graduates can expect to find employment as early years educators responsible for working directly with young children. Other roles include that of team leader responsible for running an ECEC room and in management roles. As well as developing the core skills of providing education, care and support for young children, this course develops the capacity to be an effective leader and manager in this rapidly changing sector.