FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice

Program Overview

The FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice is a two-year, work-focused program designed for individuals working or volunteering with children aged 0-8 years. It combines practical experience with academic studies, enhancing professional skills and knowledge in early childhood education. Graduates find employment opportunities as teaching assistants, early years practitioners, nannies, and childminders, contributing to educational outcomes and supporting children with diverse needs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

The FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice is a two-year, work-focused program designed for individuals currently working or volunteering with children aged 0-8 years in the early years sector, foundation units, or similar settings. It also caters to nannies, childminders, and professionals working with young children and their families in Children's Centres.

Objectives:

• Provide participants with the opportunity to continue working or volunteering while pursuing their degree.
• Develop practical experience alongside academic studies.
• Enhance professional skills and knowledge in early childhood education.

Program Description:

• Flexible schedule with one weekly on-campus session, allowing continued employment or volunteering.
• Blends practical experience with theoretical knowledge.
• Aligns with the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network's Graduate Competency requirements.

Outline

Program Content:

• Combines academic and practical learning.
• Focuses on developing professional skills and knowledge in early childhood education.
• Covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Child development
• Learning theories
• Pedagogy and practice
• Inclusive practices
• Supporting health and well-being
• Reflective practice
• Research methods

Structure:

• Two-year program.
• Consists of a combination of:
• Weekly on-campus sessions.
• Directed tasks.
• Tools for Learning: Learning in Higher Education
• Introduces higher education concepts and academic literacies.
• Focuses on ethical principles, reflection, and learning theories.
• Tools for Learning: Supporting Children and Young People
• Explores how learning theories support child and young people's development.
• Emphasizes study skills, reflection, ethics, and personal development.
• Key Thinkers Past and Present
• Examines historical and contemporary thinkers influencing early childhood education.
• Encourages critical engagement with key concepts and ideas.
• Individual in Society
• Explores developmental theories and factors influencing individual development.
• Focuses on supporting children and young people with diverse needs.
• Empowering Relationships
• Discusses the importance of multi-professional collaboration in safeguarding children and young people.
• Explores empowering relationships within early years settings.
• Supporting Health and Well-being
• Analyzes influences on children's health and well-being.
• Emphasizes health promotion and supporting mental, physical, emotional, and nutritional needs.
• Inclusion and Participation
• Examines inclusive practices in early childhood education.
• Analyzes societal inequalities and their impact on inclusion.
• Explores strategies for promoting inclusive environments.
• Developing and Extending Young Children's Thinking and Learning: Pedagogy and Practice
• Focuses on supporting children's learning through pedagogy and practice.
• Explores diverse learning opportunities and approaches to support different learning styles.
• Emphasizes the role of parents, caregivers, and stakeholders in promoting learning.
• Professional Development: Working in Practice
• Develops professional skills and knowledge relevant to working with children, young people, and families.
• Analyzes ethical codes and competence frameworks.
• Focuses on promoting inclusive practices and diversity.
• The Reflective Practitioner: Challenging Self and Early Childhood Practice
• Emphasizes reflection as a key element in early childhood education practice.
• Develops skills in enabling the voice of young children to be heard.
• Practitioner Research
• Provides opportunities to design and conduct research projects.
• Introduces research principles, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.

Assessment

• Utilizes various assessment methods, including presentations, discussions, debates, essays, portfolios, case studies, and reflections.
• Assessments allow students to demonstrate their learning and develop communication skills.
• Focuses on evidence-based practice and critical reflection.

Teaching

• Combines on-campus sessions with practical learning experiences.
• Involves experienced academic staff and peer-led group activities.
• Uses directed tasks, interactive web-based resources, and lectures to support learning.

Careers

• Graduates find employment opportunities as teaching assistants, early years practitioners, nannies, and childminders.
• They contribute to educational outcomes and support children with diverse needs.
• The program serves as a steppingstone for further career development in the early childhood education sector.
• It opens doors to senior positions and top-up degree options for further specialization.

Other

• The program is designed for a student-centered learning experience.
• Staff and students collaborate in a friendly and supportive community.
• Students receive personal and academic support throughout their studies.