Bachelor of Arts Early Years Care and Education

A high level of quality care and education is essential to support children's learning and development. The early years educator has a pivotal role in the provision of this quality care and education. Through this course, you 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?

The aim of this course is to equip graduates with the competencies necessary to become reflective early years care and education practitioners. You will gain an in-depth understandiing of child development, early learning theory and practice, and quality standards. You will learn how to critically appraise policies, procedures and principles in the early years care and education field.

On completion of this course, you will be able to design and deliver relevant curriculum activities, assume responsibility for decision-making, as well as independently conduct primary and secondary research. Our simulated early years setting will provide you with opportunities to practice, plan for the and support children's interests and abilities. Students undertake 500 hours placement experience as part of this course.

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 years practitioners and pre-school educators responsible for working directly with young children. Other roles include that of team leader responsible for running an ECCE room and possibly after-school. Other roles may include an Early Years Quality Mentor.

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.

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.

Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish). Note: An FL2 in foundation level mathematics will be accepted as meeting the minimum mathematics requirements for entry to this course. Mature applicants are not required to meet the minimum entry requirements. However, an interview may form part of the selection process.

QQI A QQI level 5 award in any discipline is acceptable. However, applicants must hold one of the following modules: 5N1370 Social Studies, 5N1279 Human Growth and Development, 5N1770 Early Care and Education Practice, 5N1773 Early Childhood Education and Play OR 5N1786 Special Needs Assisting, and hold a Distinction grade in a minimum of three modules.

Foundation level programme: Certificate in English for Academic Studies: Minimum IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.

Pre-sessional Summer programme in English June to August: Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Undergraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 5.5 with no Band less than 5.0.

Postgraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no Band less than 5.5 *

*note some postgraduate programmes require minimum IELTS 6.5.

Further Study

As a graduate of the programme, you will be eligible to progress to postgraduate programmes such as the MA in Child and Youth Studies at AIT. Full details of all postgraduate programmes at AIT are contained in the postgraduate prospectus.

This honours degree provides routes, with additional study and experience into: Primary Teaching, Early Years Inspectorate, Mentoring.

Application Procedures for Non-EU Students

Students applying for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes should supply the following information directly to the International Office, Athlone Institute of Technology on or before 1 May for programmes commencing in September:

• Completed AIT application form;
• Detailed curriculum vitae;
• Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English
• Evidence of ability to follow classes in the English language (which must satisfy Institute entry requirements for the following programmes)

• Letter of recommendation from appropriate Head of Department of own institution
• Any other relevant information regarding qualifications or previous work experience.

Students from non-EU countries must apply for a valid study visa for the duration of the programme of study in advance of registration at AIT. Visa application guidelines can be found on Department of Justice & Equality website: http://www.inis.gov.ie/