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Course Code: LC393
Level
8
Duration
4 Years
Department
Applied Social Science
CAO Points
236
Course Type
Undergraduate - CAO
Location
Limerick
The programme is designed to enable graduates to be professionally competent early years educators to children in their formative years. This includes the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing, as defined by UNESCO.
The programme is practical and applied, supporting graduates to become professional, reflective practitioners with an integrated approach in early childhood education and care. 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 a variety of early years settings is a key element of the programme enabling students to learn from practice as well as theory.
The design and content of the programme has been guided by the policy and regulatory frameworks for this sector, such as Aistear, First Fives and the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines. It is an innovative practice-led programme where students learn how to combine theory and practice and to develop as reflective practitioners. An active learning environment is achieved through lectures, seminars, workshops and enquiry-based learning with children’s learning materials.
Placement Modules
The programme includes two work placements that will bring students into direct contact with children. To ensure the protection of the public and justify public trust and confidence, LIT uses the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) service to assess the suitability of applicants.
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.
Who can I contact?
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Department Office
What modules will I study?
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Year 1 - Semester 1
Title: Exploring curricula and theory
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Title: Child development
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Title: Child health, care and well-being
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Title: Child, family and community
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Title: Introduction to play-based pedagogy
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Title: Personal and professional development
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Year 1 - Semester 2
Title: Introduction to inclusive practice
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Title: Curriculum and quality frameworks
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Title: Developing creative play
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Title: Holistic development in early years
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Title: Preparation for practice
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Title: Safeguarding & child welfare
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- Year 2 - Semester 1
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Year 2 - Semester 2
Title: Child, family and society
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Title: Creating inclusive environments
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Title: Developing play-based pedagogy
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Title: Integrating curriculum and pedagogy
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Title: Language and numeracy for early years
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Title: Professional development
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Year 3 - Semester 1
Title: Advanced child health, care and well-being
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Title: Advanced creative play
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Title: Global perspectives on childhood
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Title: Introduction to research methods
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Title: Professional development
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Title: Transitions in early years
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- Year 3 - Semester 2
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Year 4 - Semester 1
Title: Advanced research methods
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Title: Advancing play through pedagogy
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Title: Evaluating pedagogy & learning
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Title: Leadership in early years settings
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Title: Professional development
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Title: STEAM in early years
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Year 4 - Semester 2
Title: Child agency and participation in play
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Title: Families and community
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Title: Leading professional practice
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Title: Management and legal frameworks
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Title: The early years professional
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Title: Thesis
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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 employment opportunities are as early childhood educators and managers of early years settings in both the private and community sectors.
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 LIT Careers and Employability Office (careers@lit.ie) for further details.
