Early Years - FdA

Program Overview

The Foundation degree in Early Years develops skills and knowledge for students to advance their professional practice in early childhood settings. Through modules covering child development, play, curricula, and safeguarding, students acquire a comprehensive understanding of early years education and care. Work placements provide hands-on experience, while research and professional development modules foster students' growth and ability to contribute to the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Foundation degree in Early Years aims to develop the skills and knowledge for students to develop their professional practice and support their career aspirations. The foundation degree is a recognised qualification in the sector and can also be a stepping stone to higher level and degree studies. Many students join an honours degree at level 6 (final year) on completion of the foundation degree. The course is carefully designed to offer appropriate skills and knowledge relating to professional practice, and the application of work-based experience. It also focuses on self-development and independent learning, as well as team work and the ability to manage others. Skills and knowledge acquired from modules combine to give a thorough appreciation of a child’s social and emotional development, covering issues of language, literacy and numeracy, knowledge and understanding of the world, and physical and creative development. Applying knowledge in real Early Years settings is a vital part of learning, and students need to complete 720 hours of work placement during the course. As a working, part-time student, this is normally achieved through professional commitments; if studying full-time, support is provided to find a suitable work placement.

Outline:

Year One

• Introducing professional practice (40 credits): This module introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of early years practice.
• Learning through play (20 credits): This module explores the importance of play in early childhood development and examines different types of play and their benefits.
• Observing children's holistic development (20 credits): This module focuses on developing observation skills and understanding how to assess children's development across all areas.
• Early years curricula (20 credits): This module examines different early years curricula and their impact on children's learning and development.

Year Two

• Developing professional practice (40 credits): This module builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Year One and focuses on developing professional practice in a range of early years settings.
• Early years research as a driver for change (20 credits): This module introduces students to research methods and how to use research to inform practice.
• Fostering children’s mental health and well-being (20 credits): This module explores the importance of mental health and well-being in early childhood and examines strategies for promoting positive mental health.
• Promoting inclusion and parental partnerships (20 credits): This module focuses on creating inclusive early years settings and developing effective partnerships with parents and families.

Teaching:

• Studying in small groups, trainee Early Years practitioners get the chance to enhance skills and professional standing, while aspiring entrants to the profession enjoy a practical, hands-on introduction to key issues.
• The part-time route offers flexibility to fit studies around weekly commitments.
• This course supports the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring students can deliver provision that complies with EYFS learning and development requirements.
• Ofsted rates South and City College Birmingham as a 'Beacon Status' college, making it one of only a few UK training providers to achieve the government's Training Quality Standard in three or more sectors.
• The College also has Customer Service Excellence status, showing the importance placed on student satisfaction.

Careers:

This course enables students to enhance their career in the early years sector. This could be into child care management positions in a variety of settings, such as day nurseries, primary schools, children's centres and health centres.

Other:

• Students need to evidence they have completed 720 hours of work placement during the course.
Generally, part-time students will already be working in an early years setting while studying for their FdA. Full-time students will be supported on work placement.
• The course is open to International students.