BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies
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Course Overview
This course provides comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the early years of a child’s life. This course is focused on the holistic development of young children and aims to equip students with the necessary skills to work effectively with children, families, and communities. Students explore key theories, research findings, and practical approaches related to child development, learning, and wellbeing.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including early literacy and numeracy, play-based learning, inclusive education, and family engagement. Students also gain insights into early intervention strategies, assessment methods, and effective communication techniques with young children. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course includes professional practice placements in each year of the programme in a variety of early years settings. These hands-on experiences enable students to apply their learning in real-world contexts, observe child development firsthand, and develop essential skills in working with children and families.
What makes this course different
Professional Practice Placement in each of the four years.
Focus on inclusive practice including working with children with additional needs.
Student development and management of an on-site Parent and Toddler group.
Understanding the Industry
Early childhood studies is a field dedicated to understanding and enhancing the lives of young children. It combines theory, research, and practical applications to provide a solid foundation for those working with and studying the unique developmental needs of young children. Early childhood studies are an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth to 6 years of age. The field seeks to understand how children learn, grow, and interact with their environment during the crucial early years of life.
Career Opportunities
This course is designed to meet the growing demand for early childhood specialists across the diversity of early childhood care and education services and addresses the needs of the public, community and private sectors.
Future Careers:
- Early Years Educator
- Education Consultant
- Primary School Teacher (after PME postgrad)
- Further Education Tutor
- Education Mental Health Practitioner
- Family Support Worker
- School Age Childcare Educator
- Play Specialist
- Learning Mentor
- Preschool Education Inspectorate (DES)
- Preschool Inspectorate (TUSLA)
In these areas:
- Policy development and evaluation agencies within government departments, semi-state bodies, and NGOs
- Nurseries and pre-schools
- State and independent schools
- Local authorities
- Local and national charities
- Health authorities
Course Delivery and Modules
- Theories and Perspectives on Pla
- Child Development
- Learning to Learn in Early Childhood Studies
- Promoting Well-being
- Music and Movement for Babies and Young Children
- Interactions: Hanen Certificate
- Observation and the Assessment Process in Early Childhood
- Aistear in Action
- Professional Practice 1
- The Young Child with Additional Needs
- Guiding Young Children’s Behavior and Self-Regulation
- Professional Practice 2
- Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties
- The Visual Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Exploring and Thinking in Early Childhood
- Introducing Evidence-Based Practice
- Physical Activity in Early Childhood
- Sociology of the Child and Family
- Exploring Numeracy and Literacy in Early Childhood
- Pedagogical Framing
- Outdoor Play and Learning
- The Reflective Early Childhood Practitioner
- Consultation and Evaluation
- Applied Law and Regulation in Early Childhood
- School Age Childcare
- Pretend Play, Storytelling, and Children’s Literature
- Professional Practice 3
- Social Policy and the Voice of the Child
- Entrepreneurship, Business, and Management Skills in the Early Years Context
- Early Years Curriculum in the Irish Context
- Reflective Pedagogy and the Professional Educator
- Early Years Research Project
- Professional Practice 4
- Contemporary Practice
- Identity & Psychological Well-being in Early Childhood
- Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Years Sector
- Early Years Research Project
Work placement
Work placement is an integral part of the course with a Professional Practice Placement in each of the four years which provides students with an opportunity to learn from experience through supervised practice.
- In first year, the placement is with typically developing children in full day-care (12 weeks)
- In second year, the placement will be with children who have additional needs (7 weeks)
- In third year, the student can choose a specialist placement of particular interest. This may be an international placement (6-8 weeks)
- In fourth year, the student group, manage and run a parent & toddler group in the college (1 day a week over the semester)
Professional Accreditations
The programme meets the requirements of the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines (PACG).
Education Progression
Graduates can choose to study a Professional Masters in Education Course (Primary Teaching) to progress into Primary School teaching.
Fees and Funding
Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements apply. There are no special entry requirements for this course.
- Standard Requirements for Leaving Certificate Applicants
- Standard Requirements for UK/NI Applicants
- Standard Requirements for QQI-Further Education Applicants
- Mature Applicants: Minimum of 23 years of age on January 1st of year of application.
Please Note: Due of the work placement element of this course, applicants must successfully pass Garda/Police vetting for all jurisdictions where the student was/is resident. Early Childhood Studies students are also required to complete a vaccination programme in advance of placement.
Recent CAO points
Student Stories
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Niamh Crowley
Shania McDonald
How to apply
Apply on CAO
All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:
Advanced Entry & Transfer Applications
Advanced Entry is for applicants who have previous educational achievements and/or work experience and want to be considered for direct entry into year 2, 3, or 4 of a course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.
International Application (non-EU)
International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.
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