Bachelor of Arts Early Years' 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. The quality of the context; the quality of processes which support children's learning and development; the quality of children's experiences and achievements; and the quality of management and leadership in diverse early years' settings, are identified in government policy as core elements. This course further develops your knowledge and skills to support children's current strengths, interests and abilities within the sociocultural context of their lives.

What will I experience?

Successful completion of the Honours programme equips you to reflect on and critically evaluate provision of care and education for children 0-6 years; skills to promote and support professional development of ECCE educators, and knowledge of the value of research in ECCE.

Modules on this course, provide in-depth opportunities to study policy and practice-based learning, preparing you to work with children, families and outside agencies. Field trips, workshops and academic learning will help you to develop awareness and critical evaluation of policies and practices in a wide variety of early years' settings.

Why study the course?

Apply advanced early childhood care and education knowledge and skills to be reflective and innovative practitioners.

Teaching and learning is modelled in relation to both the Irish and International practice in early years' care and education

Lecturers delivering course content have real world and research expertise

Teaching focuses on application of theory and skill development, which will promote versatility for graduates future employment

Opportunities to progress to postgraduate level of study

What opportunities might it lead to?

As a graduate of this programme, you will be eligible to progress to postgraduate programmes such as the MA in Child and Youth Studies at AIT or an alternative postgraduate programme in another 3rd-level college. A Masters in Early Years' is currently being developed (for delivery in September 2018). Full details of all postgraduate programmes at AIT are contained in the postgraduate prospectus.

Programme Delivery

This programme is delivered in a blended format whereby students attend online classes each Thursday plus face to face classes at AIT on Saturday dates noted above

Induction

Please note: Institute induction is on Saturday 12 January 2019 from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Attendance on that date is compulsory

Bachelor of Arts in Early Years' Care and Education Level 7 or an equivalent Level 7 qualification.

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.

On completion of this programme, you will be able to apply advanced early years' care and education knowledge and skills to be a reflective and innovative practitioner. Your capacity to be an effective leader and manager in a rapidly changing sector will also be developed. You will learn how to critically appraise policies, procedures and principles in the early years' care and education field. You will learn how to design and deliver relevant curriculum activities, assume responsibility for decision-making, as well as independently and ethically conduct primary and secondary research.

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/