There is an ever increasing demand for quality pre-school services in Ireland today and the BEd (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) provides specialised training, support, advice and information on best practice for the education and care of young children from 0 to 6 years with a view to supporting the development of an ECEC workforce. The ECEC programme aims to train graduates to educate and meet the needs of children aged 0-6 years and to manage childcare facilities. The various biological, cognitive, emotional, and social stages of a child’s development are studied.
The programme offers the student the opportunity to study early childhood from differing perspectives – educational, psychological, social, and cultural. The programme also includes tuition in art, music and drama, which provides an extensive portfolio of child-centred activities. Attention is also paid to practical skills needed in this type of work such as child health, exercise and nutrition, and the physical care of children.
Central to the degree is the Professional Work Practice (PWP), i.e. a placement experience of 12 weeks duration in both years 2 and 3 of the programme. This involves supervised hands-on experience in centres approved by the University, for example, preschools, naíonraí, creches, primary schools, and centre for children with special educational needs.
There is an option of international placements with partner organisations in other European programmes in both year 2 and 3 of the programme.and specialists who offer workshops and seminars to deliver a highly interactive learning environment.
