4 years / Level 8 / Full-time / Work Placement
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Early Childhood Care, Health & Education is a four-year degree course that equips graduates with the necessary competencies to work with young children and their families. It is an invigorating and exciting career path.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) programme is delivered with theory lectures, practical work, and group tutorial classes, adopting a spiral curriculum approach. This method progressively builds on the student’s capacity as an Early Childhood Manager and Educator, assessor and facilitator of young children’s learning and development through play.
Modules are informed by national and international research and policy, contemporary issues, and evidence-based practice in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care. With the most up to date discussions and debates facilitated helping to strengthen the student’s knowledge, understanding and skills to become an Advanced Graduate Educator. Assessment is through a variety of means to include authentic assessment that relates to the real working world. Practice Placement is an integral part of the students experience where the student has opportunity to apply theory to practice and enhance their skillset in Pedagogical Leadership through reflective practice.
The programme has been strategically aligned to assist the student in meeting criterion outlined in national and international Guidelines (EU Quality Framework for ECEC, The Early Years Inspectorate Quality and Regulatory Framework). The programme modules aim to deliver discipline specific content in preparation for a national Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare: ‘Nurturing Skills’ (DCEDIY, 2022-2028).
Certain semesters of this course are taken in common with other courses.
QUALIFICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD The BSc and BSc (Hons) in Early Childhood Care, Health and Education at ATU Donegal, is officially recognised as meeting the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines for initial professional education (Level 7 and 8), for the Early Learning and Care sector in Ireland which have been published by the Minister of Education and Skills.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Points 302 (2023)
Mandatory Training
Students will be required to undertake mandatory training as outlined by the course schedule. This is required prior to students going on placement.
Garda Vetting
Non-Eu candidates will not be considered for this course unless there are still places available after all eligible EU candidates have been considered. Offerees are subject to garda vetting. Registration is temporary until garda vetting is successfully completed. Students who cannot complete garda vetting may be unable to go out on necessary placement or to fulfil course requirements. In such cases, students will be ineligible to complete registration & will be required to leave the course.
ECCHE Work Placement
Professional Practice Placement provides invaluable experience for students. Level 8 students complete 750 hours and Level 6 students complete 300 hours. Students must work with children in the following age groups:
Allocations are facilitated through the Department. Year 2 placements take place in Co Donegal. Travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the learner.
Information for:
The main employers are:
Programme Co-Ordinator: Ms Veronica Mc Taggart, Veronica.McTaggart@atu.ie
FAO Placement Settings If you would like to support a student on placement please complete the below forms and a member of our team will contact you. Site Profile Form Site Evaluation Form
For further information click here
Department Administration: +353 (0)74 9186309 / +353(0)74 9186310
Head of Department Dr Nigel McKelvey Email: EESS.Donegal@atu.ie Telephone:
School and Department Faculty of Science & Health Department of Early Education & Social Studies
Bachelor of Science (Hons)