BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Early Childhood Studies

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) program combines Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion with Early Childhood Studies, preparing students for careers in early childhood education with a focus on supporting children with diverse learning needs. It emphasizes a holistic approach, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to create inclusive environments and advocate for the rights of all children.

Program Outline

BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Early Childhood Studies

Degree Overview

This program is designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood education with a focus on supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. It combines two important disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of child development and early intervention, while equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively with diverse learners. It aims to develop graduates who are compassionate, inclusive, and proactive in advocating for the rights and participation of all children.

Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of child development, learning, and special educational needs.
• Gain practical experience through placements in early childhood settings.
• Critically analyze research and current policy related to early childhood education and inclusion.
• Develop the communication, collaboration, and leadership skills necessary to work effectively with children, families, and other professionals.
• Child Development: This component explores the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age eight, highlighting the importance of early intervention and responsive caregiving.
• Research and Policy: This component examines the research base for early childhood education and inclusion, as well as the relevant national and international policies and legislation.

Program Structure:

• The program is delivered over three years, with each year divided into two semesters.
• Students complete a total of 180 credits, including a final year dissertation or capstone project.
• There is a strong emphasis on practical experience, with students completing a minimum of 60 hours of placement in early childhood settings.
• The program is taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, and online learning.

Course Schedule:

The specific course schedule may vary from year to year, but it typically includes the following modules:

• Year 1: From Excluded to Included: A Century of Change, The Whole Child: Holistic Approaches to Meeting Needs, Principles of Child Development, Policy, Provision and Practice, Meeting Different Needs, and Interpreting the World: Research and Practice.
• Year 2: Understanding Childhood, Safeguarding children, Promoting Positive Behaviour, The Value of Play, Rhetoric or Reality?, and Hidden Inequalities.
However, here are some key highlights:
• From Excluded to Included: A Century of Change: This introductory module explores the history of special educational needs and disability, highlighting the shifting perspectives and policy changes.
• Policy, Provision and Practice: This module examines the current policy landscape for early childhood education and inclusion, analyzing the impact of legislation and practice on the lives of children.
• Meeting Different Needs: This module builds on the foundation of the first year by focusing on more specific areas of special educational needs and disability, including supporting children with physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments.
• Interpreting the World: Research and Practice: This module introduces students to research methods and their application in early childhood education and inclusion, teaching them how to critically analyze research and use it to inform their practice.
• Understanding Childhood: This module explores the concept of childhood from various theoretical perspectives, considering the historical, social, and cultural influences on how children are understood and treated.
• Safeguarding children: This module equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard children in early childhood settings, covering topics such as child protection policies, identifying signs of abuse, and reporting concerns.
• Hidden Inequalities: This module explores the various factors that can impact a child's learning and development, addressing topics such as poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion.
• The Young Child in Transition: This module focuses on the experience of transition for young children, considering the impact of changes such as moving to a new school or starting formal education.
• Leading Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice: This module explores the role of leadership in early childhood settings, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to create inclusive learning environments and promote effective practice.
• Capstone Project Proposal: This module prepares students for their final year research project by guiding them through the process of developing a research proposal and obtaining ethical approval.
• Researching with Children: This module focuses on the ethical considerations of conducting research with young children, teaching students how to ensure that their research is both methodologically sound and ethically responsible.
• Global and Future Childhoods: This module explores the challenges and possibilities facing children in a globalized world, examining issues such as child labor, education, and health.
• Spectrums and Kaleidoscopes: This module focuses on the spectrum of autism and co-existing conditions, providing students with in-depth knowledge and practical strategies for supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Leading the Learning Environment: This module examines the principles of effective leadership in early childhood settings, considering the role of leaders in creating inclusive environments and promoting positive change.
• Capstone Project: This module is the culmination of the program, allowing students to conduct an independent research project on a topic of their choice related to early childhood education and inclusion.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on the specific module, but may include:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Group projects
• Written exams
• Research reports
• Practical observations
• Reflected journals
The program aims to provide a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and understanding to be effective practitioners in their chosen field.

Teaching

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics with expertise in early childhood education, special educational needs and disability, and related fields. The teaching style is interactive and engaging, incorporating a variety of methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, and online learning. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and share their experiences. The program also provides opportunities for students to develop their research skills through engaging with relevant literature and conducting their own research projects.

Careers

Graduates of this program are well-positioned for a variety of careers in early childhood education, including:

• Early Childhood Educator
• Special Education Teacher
• Early Intervention Specialist
• Early Years Leader
• SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
• Play Therapist
• Family Support Worker
• Researcher
• Policy Advisor
• Students have the opportunity to participate in international study abroad programs.
• The university provides a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and easy access to expert academic staff.