Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Early Childhood Education & Care CW028

Early childhood education and care, or early learning and care, is a very rewarding profession that supports the development of young children from infancy and throughout the childhood years. Direct practice involves working with children by tailoring learning experiences to children's individual needs. Supporting parents in their parenting role is also an essential part of the job. Indirect practice involves managing services, educating students, professional representation, governance and national policy, ensuring early childhood education is a rewarding and diverse profession.

Course Structure

This course is a three-year programme, which equips graduates with the theoretical, policy, legal and practical knowledge required to work in early years services. Learning is through experiential and self-directed learning activities, as well as through group work and presentations. The final year research project is supervised by an experienced research team.

Is this course for you?

If you are interested in supporting children to become curious and confident people, or interested in supporting parents raising their children, then Early Childhood Education and Care could be the course for you.

Special Features:

Placement in a variety of early years services.

Modules related to the philosophy of early years learning, outdoor learning, working with families, and leading quality services.

Emphasis on the emergent curriculum and creative and play-based learning for children.

Flipped classroom learning experiences.

Research-rich teaching environment.

Leaving Certificate

2H5 & 4O6/H7

Subjects required

English or Irish O6/H7

Garda vetting required

Students must provide evidence of having reached the required standard in the English Language in reading, writing and communication. A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 to 6 or equivalent completion of studies. Some programmes may require a higher standard e.g. computing. A certified statement of proficiency in English must be provided as a prerequisite to registration as a student of the Institute.

What will I be able to do when I finish the course?

Direct practice work in early years services

Room leader or management positions in early years services

Positions in county childcare committees, representative organisations, and early years governance bodies.

• When completing the application form the student/agent should indicate the applicant's chosen course of study at the Institute of Technology Carlow by indicating the appropriate code and full course title.
• Non-First Year applications should also complete the application form, specifying the required year of entry and return to the above address accompanied by all certified transcripts.
• The International Department of the Institute will handle all application requirements and correspondence with the Central Application Office (CAO) of Ireland on behalf of the student. The Central Application Office handles all first year entry to all recognised State Universities in Ireland.
• Students who have satisfied the initial entrance requirements will be issued with a conditional letter of acceptance on the payment of their full first year fee. In the event of the applicant being refused an entry Visa for study purposes, the Institute will refund the fees paid in full on presentation of the official letter of refusal from the Department of Justice.
• Applicants should be aware that the Institute of Technology Carlow, as with all recognised Universities in Ireland, only intakes once per year. The academic year begins in September of each year. Therefore when submitting an application please take into account the time required by the student to obtain a Visa and also to reach the necessary standard of English.