Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status

Program Overview

This program in Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status provides a comprehensive understanding of children's development and equips students with practical skills to work in early years settings. Graduates are recognized as Early Years Practitioners and have opportunities to pursue careers in childcare, education, or related fields. The program combines theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, including 700 hours of placements.

Program Outline

Aberystwyth University - BA Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status (X322)

Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students interested in exploring the development of children in the early years phase and studying the theories and research that influence current practices. It combines theory and practice to provide a comprehensive understanding of this crucial stage in children's lives. The program emphasizes the role of practitioners in supporting children's development and equips students with the necessary skills to work effectively in early childhood settings.

Objectives:

• Develop a clear understanding of early childhood development.
• Gain practical experience working with young children.
• Develop professional and academic skills for a career in early childhood.
• Acquire employability skills and personal attributes necessary for employment, training, or further education.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Children's Development and Learning (ED14520): 20 credits
• Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years (ED14620): 20 credits
• Key Skills for University (ED13620): 20 credits
• Language Development (ED14320): 20 credits
• Partnerships in Principle and Practice (ED14420): 20 credits
• Play and Learning: Theory and Practice (ED13720): 20 credits

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Education, Diversity and Equality (ED20420): 20 credits
• Literacy in Young Children (ED20220): 20 credits
• Safeguarding and Professional Practice (ED24320): 20 credits
• Year 2 Early Years Practitioner Placement (ED25860): 60 credits

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Communication (ED34720): 20 credits
• Emotional and Social Development (ED34820): 20 credits
• Mathematical Development in the Early Years (ED30320): 20 credits
• Year 3 Early Years Practitioner Placement (ED35860): 60 credits

Assessment:

• A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, projects, bibliographic exercises, reflective diaries, posters, and presentations.
• Students keep a folder of evidence during placements to demonstrate their skills as early years practitioners.

Teaching:

• The School of Education offers a variety of learning opportunities:
• Seminars: Focus on specific aspects of modules in smaller groups.
• Workshops: Provide practical experience and involve group and individual work.
• Placements: Students undertake 700 hours of placements in nursery settings within the Aberystwyth locality.
• Lecturers are either qualified to PhD standard or are experienced practitioners in their field.
• All teaching staff possess, or are working towards, a recognized teaching qualification.

Careers:

• Successful completion of the program leads to "Early Years Practitioner Status," allowing graduates to work as professionals in early years settings (subject to appropriate literacy and numeracy qualifications).
• Many students progress to become nursery managers and leaders.
• The qualification can also lead to progression to a one-year primary school teacher training course (PGCE).
• Research-led teaching informs the syllabus.
• The University has been awarded University of the Year for Teaching Quality two years consecutively (2018 and 2019).
• Students will require an enhanced DBS check, which they will need to pay for.
• There may be travel expenses within the Aberystwyth area.
• Modules marked with an asterisk ( ) are also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh.