• » Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Early Childhood Care, Health and Education

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Early Childhood Care, Health and Education
    CAO Code  LY968
    LYIT internal code  LY_NECCE_B
    Duration  4 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  24
    Mature Applicants Places:  2
    Foundation Places:  2
    FETAC Places:  2 (FETAC quota considered on round zero only)
    National Framework Level  8
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    This is a four year programme in which students develop the skills necessary to assimilate an understanding of the complex and diverse nature of the subject, as well as more general skills which will be widely transferable Students will undertake a critical examination of contrasting perspectives which provide insight into the varied experiences of early years’ settings. Drawing on their ability to locate, review and evaluate research findings they will articulate central theoretical arguments within a variety of EY studies and apply same as skilled practitioners in their chosen industry environment. On successful completion students will be able to work independently and identify the need for knowledge acquisition and skill development on an ongoing basis.
    Minimum Entry Requirements
    At least 6 Leaving Certificate Subjects, including the following subjects:
    • English or Irish at 0D3 or higher (not Foundation Level Irish).
    • Mathematics OD3/FB2/HE
    • At least 4 other subjects
    Applicants must have a minimum of Grade C3 in at least two higher-level papers and a minimum of Grade D3 in the remaining papers.
    or
    Have obtained a full FETAC Childcare Award at level 5: DCHSC Childcare, including distinctions in at least three of the following modules:
    • D20153/5N1770:                      Working in Childcare
    • D20159/5N1765:                      Caring for Children
    • D20005/5N1764:                      Child Development
    • D20007/5N1773:                Early Childhood Education
    Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements may be admitted to the programme on the grounds of mature years, if they have attained appropriate experience and attainment thresholds deemed equivalent. Applicants may avail of LYIT’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
    Suitably qualified direct applicants may be eligible for admission to Year 2, 3 or 4 of the programme.
    FETAC Quota
    A quota of 2 places is reserved for those presenting FETAC results. For further information on FETAC applications please see FETAC.
    Garda Vetting
    Applicants who join this course will have to be vetted by the Gardaí. If the Gardaí raise an issue it will have to be addressed satisfactorily. If it is not, students will not be able to fulfil the course requirements, in which case students will be asked to leave the course. Students will also be vetted prior to placement by the relevant placement provider.
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterProposed Modules,
    subject to approval    		Mandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1   Introduction to Psychology & Sociology Mandatory  10  8
      Introduction to Irish Law Mandatory  5  5
      Professional Scholarship Mandatory  5  6
      Education & Play Mandatory  10  10
     1/2   Early Years Environment Mandatory  10  8
      Curriculum Studies Mandatory  5  6
      Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons Mandatory  10  8
      Understanding Children’s Behaviour Mandatory  5  6
     2/3   Creativity in the Early Years Mandatory  5  6
      Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment Mandatory  10  8
      Child Health & Disability Mandatory  10  8
      Children & Families Support Mandatory  5  4
     2/4   Practice Placement 1 Mandatory  30  30hs x 12wks
     3/5   Culture & Contemporary Issues Mandatory  5  5
      Communications in the Early Years Mandatory  10  8
      Research Process & Methods Mandatory  5  6
      Developmental Psychology Mandatory  10  8
     3/6   Practice Placement 2 Elective  30  30hs x 12wks
      Study Abroad Elective  30  30hs x 12wks
     4/7  Research for Evidence Based Practice Mandatory  5  6
     Comparative Education Mandatory  10  6
     Management & Leadership Mandatory  10  8
     Practice Placement 3 Elective  5  30hs x 7wks
     Independent Learning Project Elective  5  30hs x 7wks
     4/8  Effective Infant Education Mandatory  10  6
     Children with Additional Needs Mandatory  10  7
     Teaching & Assessment for Professional Development Mandatory  5  6
     Outdoor Play & Risk Mastery Mandatory  5  7

    Learning Outcomes
    On completion of this programme the student will be able to:
    • Critically consider leading-edge theories and evidence-based research on child development and early years’ education issues to inform their teaching and learning beliefs and practices;
    • Work reflexively and critically with a range of contemporary education theories and practices within early childhood education to engage young children in constructive, playful and contextually relevant learning;
    • Work in partnership with families and communities to support children's learning and to develop respectful, inclusive and culturally competent practices in early childhood education;
    • Engage proactively with early childhood professionals to become ethical leaders and practitioners who can develop curriculum, pedagogy and programmes that meet diverse students' needs;
    • Contribute to a multi-disciplinary, professional approach to support the development of young students;
    • Activate skills and knowledge through positive engagement in a practice setting;
    • Competently communicate in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;
    • Engage in critical self-reflection; develop self-confidence and the capacity for independent learning.
    Work Placement
    Placement is an integral part of the programme and provides students with an opportunity to learn from experience through supervised practice.  Experiential learning in this way provides opportunities to reflect on practice and to apply theory to practice.  Placement also provides the student with opportunities for observation and engagement in needs assessment, early childhood curriculum planning and implementation.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Progression to programs leading to a Masters’ Degree is available internally at LYIT or through a range of other Institutes of Technology and Universities in Ireland and abroad. Furthermore, graduates have the opportunity to pursue professional qualifications in careers such as:
    • Primary Teaching
    • Special Needs Teaching
    • Play Therapist
    • Speech Therapist
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Health Promotion
    • Social Work
    • Psychology
    What are the job prospects?
    The childcare Act 1991 and ensuing regulation of early childhood care and education together with other national initiatives has created a strong demand for graduates of childcare studies who are able to work across traditional disciplinary and professional boundaries.  Consequently, childcare and education is a rapidly expanding service that is providing career and further educational opportunities for graduates.

    The main employers are:

    • Private Sector Childcare Facilities such as crèches, nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools, homework clubs;
    • The Health Services – special needs services, family support services and community services
    • Primary Schools – classroom assistant;
    • Other Public Services – specialist advisor, researcher, social planning.
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

    • Courses

    More in this section

    Search

    Search staff directories & news