Approaches to Early Childhood Education (QQI Lvl 5)

Course details

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the philosophy and practice underpinning a specific approach to Early Childhood Education, to include one of the following Montessori, Froebel, Steiner or Weikart.

Module objectives:

• To familiarise the learner with various educational theorists and their programmes suitable for young children: Maria Montessori, Friedrich Froebel, Rudolf Steiner and David P. Weikart (HighScope)
• To facilitate the learner in differentiating between the unique concepts of the various programmes.
• To provide the learner with the opportunity to explore materials and resources related to the various educational programmes.
• To facilitate the learner in planning, implementing suitable activities in for children in an ECCE environment.
• To enable the learner to define the various roles of the adult in relation to the education of young children.
• To enable learner to define the elements of a quality Early Childhood Care and Education.
• To encourage the learner to assess the value of a specific learning environment to the development and well-being of young children.

Topics Covered:

• Educational programmes suitable for young children.
• Suitable routines for children in an ECCE environment.
• The value of a suitable environment to a child learning.
• The role of the adult in early childhood education.
• Reflection on the learners own role when working with children and member of the working team.

This distance learning, FETAC/QQI accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain an Internationally Recognised Qualification.

Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration. The course documentation for this course is detailed and easy to read.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

• Leaving Cert or equivalent, and/or relevant life or work experience.
• As this programme is delivered through distance learning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
• If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.
• If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.

Progression to further Studies:

• This course leads to a level 5 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
• Students who successfully complete this module may use this Level 5 credit towards the FETAC Early Childhood Care & Education Level 5 Major Award – 5M2009.