Early Childhood Studies,Care and Education

Early Childhood Studies, Care and Education Course Structure

The course has three main elements:

• Placement, where knowledge and skills acquired in the course are put into practice in a controlled work environment, under the supervision of experienced practitioners and academics; where also reflection on the application of theory to practice will take place

• Academic Development, where knowledge of new and emerging developments in the sector, combined with the development of conceptual knowledge and theoretical frameworks takes place

• Practice/Skills Development, where the skills necessary to function at a high level within the sector are developed

Year 1

The programme is designed for:

• Applicants with an existing level 7 major award in Early Childhood Studies, or equivalent, and with at least two years of relevant work experience who wish to progress to progress to level 8;
• Applicants with an existing major award at level 8 degree in a cognate area who wish to convert to a career in early childhood care and education. Cognate degrees are defined as level 8 degrees in which Psychology, Sociology or Early Years Education was a major component.

DCEDIY Approved List and QAB Approval Status

As regards the professional status of the various Early Years qualifications please see the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth website - https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/22405-early-years-recognised-qualifications/. Please note that this course:

*  is on the DCEDIY approved qualifications list and is approved by DCEDIY for the following: 
- Meets regulatory requirements.
- Eligible for Room Leader – standard capitation.
- Eligible for Room Leader – higher capitation.

* the course is designed for:
- Applicants with an existing level 7 major award in Early Childhood Studies, or equivalent, and with at least two years of relevant work experience who wish to progress to progress to level 8;
- Applicants with an existing major award at level 8 degree in a cognate area who wish to convert to a career in early childhood care and education. Cognate degrees are defined as level 8 degrees in which Psychology, Sociology or Early Years Education was a major component.

* This course is not suitable for:
- people with no existing childcare qualifications - or cognate qualifications as above.
- this is because the Government’s “Qualifications Advisory Board for the Early Learning and Care (ELC) Sector” has decided that going forward - for new entrants to childcare - it will recognise only full degree programmes https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/c2e6b-qualifications-advisory-board-qab-for-the-early-learning-and-care-elc-sector/

Recognition of Prior Learning 

Candidates who do not currently meet these requirements may consider making an application using the Recognition of Prior Learning process. 

Please find RPL Form here

Teaching Council Registration

This programme is designed to facilitate existing graduates from relevant areas to gain the professional qualification required to work in Ireland’s contemporary, professionalised, early years sector. 
It is not purpose designed as part of a pathway towards registration as a Teacher in Further Education with the Teaching Council (TC). 
Advice on gaining registration with the TC is available from the TC. Advice is also available from the free Adult Education Guidance Services countrywide.

There are a wide range of pathways available to graduates. 
Progression routes for part-time students are similar to those followed by full-time students, although many of the part-time learners are already employed throughout  various social care settings. This course provides an opportunity for participants to further develop their knowledge and skills in key areas of professional practice. It equips them with skills and knowledge required for management positions and with research  knowledge and skills required for research and/or taught postgraduate studies. A number of graduates of the part-time degree also progressed to set up their own businesses using innovative models of care. Their work practices reflect a blending of their life experiences, both personal and professional, and the knowledge gained whilst completing their award. 
 

There are a wide range of pathways available to graduates. 
Progression routes for part-time students are similar to those followed by full-time students, although many of the part-time learners are already employed throughout  various social care settings. This course provides an opportunity for participants to further develop their knowledge and skills in key areas of professional practice. It equips them with skills and knowledge required for management positions and with research  knowledge and skills required for research and/or taught postgraduate studies. A number of graduates of the part-time degree also progressed to set up their own businesses using innovative models of care. Their work practices reflect a blending of their life experiences, both personal and professional, and the knowledge gained whilst completing their award.