Early Childhood Education and - Technological U

TUS Athlone's Early Childhood Education and Care - BA program equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in child development and education. Emphasizing a child-centered approach, the program prepares graduates for careers in early childhood education and care settings, including roles such as early years' educators, Montessori teachers, and outdoor preschool teachers. The program includes practical placement opportunities and takes into account wider policy developments highlighting the importance of both care and education for preschool children.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Early Childhood Education and Care - BA program at TUS Athlone is a three-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience necessary to provide quality support for children's development from birth to six years. The program emphasizes a child-centered approach to care and education, taking into account the physical, educational, and emotional needs of young children.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of child development, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Equip students with the skills and knowledge to create and implement effective early childhood education and care programs.
Foster students' understanding of the role of the family and society in child development.
Prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in the early childhood education and care sector.

Outline:

The program is structured over three years, with each year divided into two semesters. The curriculum includes a variety of modules covering topics such as:

Year 1:

Semester 1:
Principles and Practices of the ECEC Sector
Developing Academic Practice and Autonomy
Introduction to Relational Pedagogy in ECEC
Early Childhood Developmental Psychology
Contexts of Early Childhood
Semester 2:
Creative Skills for ECEC
Promoting Positive Health and Wellbeing in ECEC
Working Collaboratively with Parents and relevant stakeholders in an ECEC Setting
Outdoor Pedagogy
ECEC Social Policy
Introduction to Inclusive Policy and Practice in the ECEC Setting

Year 2:

Semester 1:
Making Learning Visible: Multimodal Approaches to Literacy in ECEC
Personal Reflection for Practice (PRP)
Applied Pedagogy & Curriculum in ECEC
Preparation for Practice Placement 1
Professional Practice Placement 1
Semester 2:
Child Health and Well-being: Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in the ECEC Setting
Children’s Rights and Advocacy
Language Acquisition
Applied Inclusive Practice in the ECEC Setting
Professional Practice Placement 2

Year 3:

Semester 1:
Professional Practice Placement 3
Semester 2:
Introduction to Research Methodology and Practice
Law for the Early Childhood Sector
Therapeutic Recreational & Creative Play Interventions in ECEC
Teamwork and Group Dynamics in an ECEC Setting
Business Management & Enterprise in ECEC

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

Assignments: Written assignments, essays, and research projects.
Presentations: Oral presentations and group projects.
Practical Assessments: Observations, reflections, and portfolio development.
Professional Practice Placement: Evaluation of practical skills and professional development.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

Lectures: Interactive lectures and seminars.
Workshops: Practical workshops and group activities.
Case Studies: Analysis of real-world scenarios and case studies.
Guest Speakers: Presentations by industry professionals and experts.
Early Years' Educator: Various roles such as Assistant, Room Leader, Assistant Manager, Manager in full-day crèche settings, part-time, sessional (ECCE), afterschool, breakfast club, naíonraí (with Irish language), parent and toddler groups, and drop-in care settings.
Montessori Teacher: Working in Montessori schools and preschools.
HighScope Teacher: Working in HighScope preschools and early childhood programs.
Outdoor Preschool Teacher: Working in outdoor preschools and Forest Schools.
Early Years' Inspectorate: With additional study and experience.

Other:

The program takes account of wider policy developments, which highlight the importance of both care and education for pre-school children.
Students will study the influence of the family and society on child development.
Throughout the duration of the course, students will develop knowledge and understanding of the value and ways of working with parents, and of inter-professional collaboration to support the best interests of children.
All students on this program will undertake National Vetting Bureau procedures prior to commencing their work placement.