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Code
SE911
Delivery
Fulltime
Cao points
🛈 261 - 495
Level
8
Campus
College Street
Duration
4 years
Credits
240 ECTS
Placements
Available
Study Abroad
Yes
International Applications
Accepted
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What is the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education?

The BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education is a four year course of study. The course is designed under four important academic pillars namely, theory, practice, research and reflective practice.

This course produces professionally qualified graduates who work effectively in a wide range of early years’ contexts, with children up to the age of eight years. The course involves the study of core, interrelated disciplines including early years’ education,, psychology, sociology, law and personal and professional development and supervised professional practice placements which are essential to effective working in ECCE settings

Special Feature of BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education

Students have the opportunity to complete supervised work-based placements; in semesters three, six and eight of the programme . These supervised placements enable students to gain invaluable practice experience and skills, facilitating deep engagement with the concepts of care and education, and ‘hands on’ experience of working for young children, parents and practitioners. These placement experiences further facilitate the students’ learning and application of knowledge from the disciplines studied to specific areas of professional practice. Students conclude their final  year with a research dissertation connected to early years theory and practice which allows them focus on a specific area of interest to them.

Note: Garda clearance is required for all students taking this course

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Critical Thinking and Academic SkillsChild Developmental Psychology 1
Early Years Pedagogies Children as LearnersChildren and Social Interaction
History of Care in Irish Social PolicyEarly Years Education: Methods and Practice
Introduction to PsychologyIntroduction to Research
Introduction to Sociological ProblemsIrish Family Policy
Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 1Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 2
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Practice Placement: Early Childhood Studies 1Child Development Psychology 2
Understanding Gender
Irish Early Childhood Education Policies
Introduction to Irish Law
Early Childhood Assessment
Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 3
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Early Years Curriculum, Quality and PracticePractice Placement: Early Childhood Studies 2
Early Learning and Play
Children's Rights, Citizenship and Social Policy
Personal and Professional Development: Early Childhood Studies 4
Comparative Early Years Education and Care
Children with Additional Needs
Year 4
Semester 7Semester 8
Direct Work with Children, Parents and StaffPractice Placement: Early Childhood Studies 3
Children and the Law
Social Research Methods
Child Health and Wellbeing
Managing Early Years Contexts
Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education:

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education:

 

Other Requirements for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education:

Places are offered on the programme subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting clearance.

Career Opportunities

This course facilitates students who wish to pursue professional careers in ECCE contexts, postgraduate studies in Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines. Graduates of our programme can work within the following settings:

  • Early Years Child Care and Education including crèches, nurseries, Montessori’s and playgroups
  • Children’s Residential Care Centres
  • Statutory and Non-Statutory Children’s Services
  • Family Support Services
  • Specialist educational facilities that work with children with diverse levels and types of abilities

 

Follow on Study for BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education graduates

Graduates may proceed to postgraduate study, either research or taught, at SETU Waterford or other third-level Colleges/universities.  This includes areas such as management and leadership in ECCE, M.Ed. degrees, and educational studies programmes. Many of our graduates have also pursued follow-on training in primary school education.

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Contact

Course Leaders
Carol Yelverton-Halpin
Dr. Carol Yelverton-Halpin
Lecturer in Applied Arts in Adult, Early years Education and the Social Sciences
[email protected]
Jacqui Quinn
Jacqui Quinn
[email protected]

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