COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Early Childhood Education and Care prepares students to work professionally with babies and young children from birth to six years, focusing on their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. The program combines theory with extensive practical experience in early years settings, guided by Irish frameworks such as Aistear and Síolta. In Year 1, students study child development, relational pedagogy, early childhood contexts, academic skills, and creative learning, alongside preparation for placement and outdoor pedagogy. Year 2 builds on this with modules in inclusive practice, regulatory frameworks, applied pedagogy, literacy approaches, child health, nutrition, language development, collaboration with parents, and extended professional placements that allow students to apply learning in real settings. Students also explore children’s rights, reflective practice, and social policy. In Year 3, the focus shifts to advanced professional understanding, including research methods, law and child protection, teamwork, leadership, business skills in ECEC, and therapeutic play approaches. A major emphasis is placed on multiple professional practice placements throughout the program, where students progressively develop competence working with children across age groups. Graduates gain strong practical and theoretical preparation for roles in early childhood education, with the ability to support children’s learning and wellbeing while working collaboratively with families and professionals in regulated, high-quality care environments.