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Click here to viewEarly Childhood Education & Care - BA (Hons)
Course Code: US927
Level
8
Duration
4 Years
Department
Sport & Early Childhood Studies
CAO Points
329
Course Type
Undergraduate - CAO
Location
Limerick
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) reflects a holistic view of the education (e.g. early stimulation, education, developmental activities) and care (e.g. health, nutrition, hygiene, safety and security, responsive caregiving) of young children from 0 to 6 years of age. Therefore, this course is designed to equip graduates with the essential core knowledge, practices and values to fulfil the role of a professional early childhood educator.
The course is practical and applied, supporting graduates to become professional, reflective educators with an integrated approach to ECEC. Students will acquire skills in relevant areas, such as learning through play and creativity, children’s development through art, literature and music, as well as psychology, sociology and social policy. A supervised work placement in years 2 and 3 in various early years settings enables students to apply their theoretical knowledge and learn from practice, which are key elements of the course.
The course design and content have been guided by this sector’s policy and regulatory frameworks, such as Aistear, Síólta, First 5 and the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines. It is an innovative practiceled course where students learn how to combine theory and practice and develop as reflective practitioners. An active learning environment is achieved through lectures, seminars, workshops and enquiry-based learning with children’s learning materials.
Professional Accreditation
In 2022 this degree completed programmic review and continues to be officially recognised as meeting the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines for Initial Professional Education (Level 7 and Level 8) Degree Programmes for the Early Learning and Care Sector in Ireland.
What are the entry requirements?
Leaving Certificate
A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
Foundation Level Mathematics at grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for this programme.
QQI FET/FETAC Applicants & Mature Applicant
There are a number of places on this course available to mature and non-CAO applicants. Selection for these places is by way of competitive interview, which is informed by equality legislation and equal opportunities.
Refer to Admissions Office section for further information.
International Applicants
International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.
Who can I contact?
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Business and Humanities
What modules will I study?
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Year 1 Modules
Title: Semester 1
Credits:
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ECEC Frameworks, Introduction to Play, Creative Learning, Introduction to the Sociology of Childhood, Language Development in the Early Years, Child Care, Health and Wellbeing.
Title: Semester 2
Credits:
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Psychology of Child Development 1, Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Learning through Physical Activity, Professional Practice and Preparation 1, Learning through Art and Music, Outdoor Learning.
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Year 2 Modules
Title: Semester 1
Credits:
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Professional Practice Education Placement 1 (15 weeks/400 hours).
Title: Semester 2
Credits:
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STEAM in ECE, Learning through Drama & Story Telling, Creating Inclusive Environments, Transitions in the Early Years, School Age provision, Health Nutrition and Wellbeing.
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Year 3 Modules
Title: Semester 1
Credits:
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Teaching and Learning through Play, Language and Literacy in the Early Years, Supporting Children with Additional Needs, Positive Behaviour Strategies, The Reflective Educator, Legal Frameworks and Governance for Early Childhood Practice.
Title: Semester 2
Credits:
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Professional Practice Education Placement 2 (15 weeks/400 hours).
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Year 4 Modules
Title: Semester 1
Credits:
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Contemporary Curriculum Planning, Child, Family and Community, Management in Early Years Settings, Early Years Educator and Wellbeing, Therapeutic Play, Research Dissertation (year-long).
Title: Semester 2
Credits:
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Relational Pedagogy, Psychology of Child Development 2, Professional Leadership and Early Years Practice, Sustainable Development in Early Childhood.
Are there opportunities for further study?
Graduates have also academically progressed through postgraduate studies in childcare and education, STEM in early years, equality studies, child and family legal studies, child and family community studies, applied behaviour analysis, and adult and community education.
What are the career prospects?
Graduates can avail of various employment opportunities, including early childhood educators and managers of early years settings in both the private and community sectors, Barnardos Early Years Services educator, Development Officer in Childcare Committees, Early Intervention teachers, Inspectors with TUSLA and Department of Education and Skills.
More Information
Work placement is a mandatory component of this course in year 2 and 3. Applicants should be advised that a criminal conviction may be a challenge to securing work placements. Contact TUS Midwest Careers and Employability Office (careers@lit.ie) for further details.