GMIT Prospectus 2021/22

Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 6)

Code: GA864 Level: 6

Why study Early Childhood Education and Care? This two-year Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care provides learners with a comprehensive education on the role of early childhood educators. The Higher Certificate (Level 6) is designed to provide learners with a specialised education in early childhood education and care as a basis for a professional career in the field and as a basis for further academic and professional education. The programme aims to provide learners with an education for professional practice in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The programme has a practice development module which gives learners the opportunity to complete a student placement in an early-years setting every week of study for 12 hours. Early childhood is the period from birth to six years.

What are my career opportunities? With the Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 6 graduates can work as a room leader in a variety of early years setting such as crèches, preschools, after-school programmes, and breakfast clubs. There are also opportunities to work as a Special Needs Assistants in Primary Schools. Follow-on Studies Upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care Level 6, there is an opportunity for graduates of the Certificate to continue their studies with GMIT. They can apply internally for an extra one or two years to complete Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 7) in one year and/or the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 8) in two years.

What will I study? Year 1:

Student experience

• 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 Well-being • Practice Development 1 – Quality and Practice

Carrie Walsh The Early Childhood Education and Care course was completely different from what I expected. Every class was engaging and exciting. Being an artistic person, I was able to bring that creativity into many classes. There was always a positive atmosphere from both students and lecturers when in class or outside of class. The lecturers were extremely friendly and always so helpful when offering guidance and support to

Year 2: • Early Childhood Law

students. What I love about this course is that we attend classes and work placement all year round. Meaning you get to apply your growing knowledge in the work setting while still taking part in classes and living the college experience.

• 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 All places are offered on this programme subject to satisfactory Garda vetting clearance. Practice Development : 12 hours per week in an Early Years setting.

Department of Nursing, Health Sciences and Social Care

Places 30

Campus Mayo

Duration 2 years

Talk to us: Joanne Doherty, Programme Chair Tel: +353 94 9043117 | E-mail: joanne.doherty@gmit.ie

161

Powered by