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Roscommon |
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Trojan Building Elphin Street Boyle, Co. Roscommon Phone: 071 966 4510 Fax: 071 966 2909 |
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Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in
Introduction The course offers those wishing to pursue a career in Early Childhood Care and Education facilities a qualification at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications preparing them for careers at management level in childcare and crèche facilities.
Aims There has been considerable attention paid to issues of quality of childcare provision. It is increasingly recognised that staff who provide care and education to young children must be well trained and educated. At the management level, staff need a knowledge of the childcare industry, of funding and administrative structures and of the needs of parents and schools.
This course aims to provide graduates with all these skills and competencies. They will be well-placed to take up positions in crèches and childcare centres, and also to move further into areas such as community childcare, special needs education and primary teaching (these will require further study).
This is the only course of its kind in the BMW region, so graduates will help to develop the early childhood services in the region.
Award BA in Early Childhood Care and Education, Level 7 awarded by IT Sligo.
Course Content · Professional studies · Developmental psychology · Sociology, social policy and law · Health studies · Research Skills · Communication and Management
Additional modules · Design of childcare centres · Children’s literature · High Scope · Steiner · Diversity and equality issues
Course Duration 4 years part-time
Year 2008/2009 Semester 1: September to December Semester 2: February to May
Course Costs The costs are estimated at approximately €2,000 per year. (Funding may be available.) Students who do not finish the programme may be eligible for single subject certification.
Work Placement
In the second and third years, students are required to undertake two relevant work placements in the second half of the year (Jan-May) each of 13 weeks duration. These placements help you to broaden your experience of Early Childhood Care and Education and to develop particular skills and knowledge. All students are asked to sign up to a ‘Statement of Principles’ before going on placement. This is to help maintain the highest levels of ethical conduct and helps to protect the student, the Institute and the employing agency. They must also obtain a declaration in relation to Garda records (this is arranged by the Placement Coordinator).
Placements are chosen in consultation with staff, bearing in mind the availability of suitable locations. A limited number of placements may be available in other European countries and travel grants may be available to facilitate these. An experienced person supervises the placement, and the student must obtain a satisfactory report. Placements form a key element of the ECCE education.
After placement all students report back at a compulsory debriefing session at the Institute. Students must therefore be prepared to return to the college for a period of up to a week in May after the completion of their placement.
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