Program Overview
This four-year program in Early Childhood Education prepares students for careers in childcare management, education, and support roles. The curriculum covers child development, pedagogy, curriculum, and practical skills, including supervised practice placements. Students can participate in an Erasmus exchange program and qualify for professional certification.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Year One
- Psychology and Child Development
- Principles of Pedagogy
- Aistear and Early Years Curricula
- Professional Practice in Early Childhood Education
- Child Health & Nutrition
- Introduction to Art in Early Education
- Drama in Education
- Supervised Practice Placement: Developing as an Early Childhood Educator
- Understanding Social Policy
- Skills Development
- Year Two
- Child Development in Context
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy
- Cultural and Linguistic diversity
- Outdoor Learning
- Inclusion in Early Years practice
- Inclusion in Early Years practice 2
- Drama, Music and Movements
- Art in Early Education 2
- Supervised Practice Placement: The skilled Early Years Educator
- Supervised Practice Placement: The competent Early Years Educator
- Sociological Foundations
- Research Methods
- Year Three
- Option: Study Abroad option for students going on Erasmus exchange programme in Semester 2
- Mental Health during the Early Years
- Perspectives on Early Childhood Education: Issues in Policy, Practice & Research
- Working with Families and Communities
- Child Safeguarding
- Leadership and Mentoring Skills
- Supervised Practice Placement: The Reflective Educator
- Pedagogical and Practice documentation
- Sociology of Education and Inequality
- Law
- Research Methods: Documenting Young Children’s Meanings
- Year Four
- Therapeutic Skills with Young Children and Families
- Early Years and School-Age childcare – Pedagogy and Curriculum
- Digital Childhoods
- Children’s Rights and Advocacy in the Early Years sector
- Business & Management Skills
- Creativity in Early Childhood Education
- Supervised Practice Placement 4
- Research Methods
- Dissertation
Careers:
- Childcare Management
- Child & Family Support Worker
- Working with children who have additional needs
- Childcare Supervisor – Housing Association
- Course Co-Ordinator – QQI Levels 5 & 6 Childcare
- City/ County Childcare Committee
- School Completion Officer
- Tusla and Early Years inspector
- Community Work
- Research
- Policy Development
- NGO’s and statutory organisations
Other:
- The course is approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board as meeting the requirements of the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines standards.
- Students can apply to take part in an Erasmus exchange in Year 2.
- There is a work placement of 100 hours in Year 1, 300 hours in Year 2 and Year 3; and 100 hours in Year 4.
Technological University Dublin: A Summary
Overview:
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is a public university located in Dublin, Ireland. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. TU Dublin is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
TU Dublin boasts a vibrant campus life with a diverse student body. Students can enjoy a range of activities and societies, including sports clubs, music groups, and drama societies. The university also offers a variety of support services, such as career counseling, academic advising, and student health services.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
TU Dublin emphasizes practical learning, providing students with hands-on experience and industry connections.Diverse Programs:
The university offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.Vibrant Campus Life:
Students can enjoy a lively campus environment with numerous clubs, societies, and events.Strong Industry Links:
TU Dublin has strong connections with industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and career development.Academic Programs:
TU Dublin offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, Health Sciences, and more.Postgraduate:
Master's degrees, PhD programs, and professional development courses.Other:
TU Dublin has five locations in Dublin, including Grangegorman, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, City Centre, and Rathmines. The university is committed to sustainability and has over 400 sustainable businesses.
Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate Requirements
- Minimum Number of Subjects: 6
- Higher Level: 2H5's
- Minimum Grade in Maths: O6/H7
- Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: O6/H7
QQI/FET Requirements
- QQI/FET Award Required:
- Level 5:
- One of the following awards:
- 5M2009 Early Childhood Care and Education
- 5M4468 Community Health Services
- 5M21473 Certificate in Early Learning and Care
- Level 6:
- Full award in a relevant discipline
- A distinction in 6 modules is required The max QQI points awarded is 390.
Mature Applicants
- Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.
Additional Requirements
- TU Dublin students must undergo Garda Vetting. They must complete the required documentation, including a full list of all previous addresses, in order for clearance checks to be made.
- First Aid training is mandatory for all First-Year students on this course. It will be arranged by the School at a cost of approximately €100 per student. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
