Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 8)
Code: GA890 Level: 8
Why study Early Childhood Education and Care? This degree provides experiences, insights and knowledge into early childhood education and care. Early childhood educators work with children from infancy to primary school. Our programme aims to develop well-informed, articulate professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and care. There is a strong focus on play and learning, the close relationship to nature and outdoor experiences and children’s rights to participation. This firm academic foundation is cemented by a strong emphasis on practical application of theory. Students will spend 12 hours weekly in practice placement in order to provide them with an opportunity to link theory to practice. Students receive on-going support through placement by an experienced educator.
Year 4: • Professional Relationships in Early Childhood Education and Care • Business Management for the Early Year’s Leader • Reflective Practice • Innovative Practices in Creativity • Critical Perspectives on Neurodiversity • Nature and Place • Digital Technology and Digital Childhoods • Practice Development 4 – Supervision and Mentoring Electives: • International Perspectives on Literacy and Numeracy in ECEC • School Age Childcare • Research Project • Accounting for Entrepreneurs • Enterprise Project All places are offered on this programme subject to satisfactory Garda vetting clearance. What are my career opportunities? The early childhood education and care sector has been a growth area over the last 10 years. This honours degree programme is designed to equip the graduate with a comprehensive knowledge base in order to gain a holistic perspective on all aspects of a child’s life. Graduates emerge as early years professionals who can access a range of career opportunities working in early childhood settings. Graduates with this degree are employed in County Childcare Committees, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, Better Start, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Family support programmes once they have gained experience in the field. Graduates may also take up roles internationally.
What will I study? Year 1:
• Psychology and Child Development • Importance of Play and Creativity • Language, Literacy and Numeracy • Building and Managing Interpersonal Relationships • Exploring Curriculum • Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education and Care • Learning and Innovation Skills • Health, Safety and Wellbeing • Practice Development 1 – Quality and Practice Year 2: • Early Childhood Law • Supporting Enquiry with Children to Enact the Curriculum • Sociological Discourses in Early Childhood Education and Care • Childhood Development and Learning (under threes) • Diversity and Equality • Research with Children • Learning Environments • Practice Development 2 – Quality and Practice Year 3: • Leadership and Governance in Early Childhood Education and Care
Student experience
Jack Reynolds I have found the Early Childhood Education and Care course very interesting. It is a very practice- based course which helps with understanding what is being taught. It is a fun course and lecturers are particularly friendly and helpful. As there is a lot of group work it makes it easier to get to know others on the course quickly. My favourite subject is Law as it is fascinating and enjoyable. I found the Sociological Discourse subject the most challenging although still engaging. Initially on starting my course, I thought I would
• Trends in Early Childhood Education and Care • Transitions in Early Childhood Education and Care • Family-Centred Practice and Supports • Outdoor Play • Practice Development 3 – Action Research • Employment Law
find it hard to meet new people, but everyone is extremely friendly and willing to help new students settle in. The lecturers are amazingly helpful and always seem to have our best interests at heart. Since commencing in GMIT Mayo I have joined the men’s football club, and in my first year we reached an All-Ireland final. It is a great way to meet people from other courses.
Department of Nursing, Health Sciences and Social Care
Places 30
Campus Mayo
Duration 4 years
Talk to us: Mary Skillington, Programme Chair Tel: +353 94 9043133 | E-mail: mary.skillington@gmit.ie
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