Why take this course?

The early childhood education and care educator plays a pivotal role in the provision of quality care and education. Early childhood education and care is undergoing rapid change and development in recent times. This course reflects those changes and enables students to engage with the theory and practice of the provision of quality childhood education and care for children from birth to age six. Throughout this course, students will learn how to support children’s strengths, interests and abilities, as well as appreciate the role of the family and society in the provision of education and care in their formative years.

What will I experience?

This course has been approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (QAB).

This course introduces students to the dynamic landscape of early childhood education and care. Policy, legislation and practice are currently undergoing unprecedented change. Students will have opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and values to support the holistic development of children from birth to six years. Engagement with academic and
theoretical literature, classroom simulated practice, and practice placement in early childhood education and care settings will enable students to develop as reflective educators with abilities to articulate what young children are learning, how they are learning and the pedagogic approach which underpins their knowledge.

Upon completion of this course, students will have developed knowledge and skills to co-construct learning experiences with children in diverse early childhood education and care environments. In addition, they should have the ability to work as part of a team, assume responsibility for decision making, and independently conduct primary and secondary research.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The Early Years Care and Education (ECCE) field in Ireland can look forward to an exciting, dynamic and challenging future. It requires well informed leaders who are competent and confident in terms of education, regulation, policy, advocacy etc. Graduates can expect to find employment as early childhood educators responsible for working directly with young children. Other roles include that of team leader responsible for running an ECEC room and in management roles.

As well as developing the core skills of providing education, care and support for young children, this programme develops the capacity to be an effective leader and manager in this rapidly changing sector. ​

Aoife Temple, a Student Ambassador from TUS Athlone talks about the mix of theory and practice incorporated in this course and how she has juggled studies and sport at an elite level.

Additional Information

National Vetting Bureau

All students on this programme will undertake National Vetting Bureau procedures prior to commencing their work placement. Failure to disclose previous convictions may result in students being dismissed from the programme. Previous convictions, depending on their nature, could result in student dismissal from the programme.

This programme is also available on a part time basis.

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