Early Childhood Education and Practice + Work Experience

Course details

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in Early Childhood Care and Education Practice to enable the learner to work under direction with children, their families and colleagues within early childhood care and education settings (ECCE). Also to provide a learner with the personal knowledge, skills and capacity to participate in a suitable work placement under supervision for a limited time.

Course Description

Overview

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in Early Childhood Care and Education Practice to enable the learner to work under direction with children, their families and colleagues within early childhood care and education settings (ECCE). Also to provide a learner with the personal knowledge, skills and capacity to participate in a suitable work placement under supervision for a limited time.

The Benefits to Learners of this Valuable Qualification

• Be familiar with historical development of the ECCE sector in Ireland, the relevant legislation and policies pertaining to a quality ECCE environment.
• Understand the importance of self-awareness, personal reflection and reflective practice in relation to working in an ECCE setting.
• Comprehend the importance of effective communication with families, children and colleagues and effective teamwork in an ECCE setting.
• Become familiar with the policies and practices relating to the Rights of the Child and promoting equality and diversity in an ECCE setting.
• Develop the academic and vocational language, literacy and numeracy skills related to Early Childhood Care and Education through the medium of the indicative content.
• To enable the learner to take responsibility for his/her own learning.
• Plan and prepare for successful participation in a relevant work placement.
• Explore their personal profile, and match it to appropriate work placement.
• Explore a chosen vocational area.
• Develop an understanding of the world of work and employment including the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employee.
• Develop the academic and vocational language, literacy and numeracy skills related to work experience through the medium of the indicative content.

Requirements

The requirements for entry to the Early Childhood Education and Practice Level 5 Minor Award are, Junior/Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent qualifications or FETAC/QQI Level 4 Certificate and/or relevant life and work experiences.

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Course

The course will provide learners with the knowledge, skill and competence, both theoretical and practical to:

• Explain the historical development of the ECCE sector in Ireland.
• Outline relevant legislation, policies, practices and procedures pertaining to ECCE provision.
• Explain the importance of self awareness and effective interpersonal skills in an ECCE setting.
• Explain the rights of the child in the context of an ECCE setting.
• Communicate effectively with children, families and colleagues.
• Implement practices and activities to promote equality and value diversity in an ECCE setting.
• Implement administration and operational procedures in an ECCE setting to include daily logs, routines and record keeping.
• Participate effectively in team work in an ECCE setting.
• Implement care and education routines with children in the ECCE setting.
• Maintain a quality ECCE environment that complies with relevant regulations and standards.
• Reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses when working with children, families and team members.
• Participate effectively in work experience, to include observation of good timekeeping, working independently while under general direction, meeting deadlines, personal presentation, communication, adherence to health, safety and other relevant regulations.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills in the workplace, to include personal, interpersonal and technological communication skills.
• Reflect on workplace experiences, to include feedback by supervisor(s) or mentor(s) on personal performance and challenges such as conflict, criticism, meeting new people and learning in relation to quality management.
• Explore options for future education, training and employment in light of work experience.

Assessment

The assessment process includes a combination of module appropriate assessment procedures which will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of this course. These methods will include continuous assessment processes such as:

Assessment Format Early Childhood Education and practice:& Assignment 60% / Learner Record 40%

Assignment – An assignment is usually carried out over an extended period of time and the assignment brief will require candidates to show:

• An understanding and application of concepts.
• A selection of relevant research techniques and sources of information.
• An ability to analyse, evaluate, draw conclusions and make recommendations

Learner Record – This course is assessed through completion of a number of activities and completion of a personal Learner Record which records your experience of supervision in a childcare context. This will cover planning of initiatives, making decisions, in addition to demonstrating your supervision and organisational skills. All work submitted must be your own work.

Assessment Format Work Experience: Portfolio 60% /Skills Demonstration 40%

Portfolio – A portfolio is usually carried out over an extended period of time. Portfolios may involve research, require investigation of a topic, issue or problem or may involve process such as a design task, a performance or practical activity or production of an artefact or event.

Skills Demonstration – A skills demonstration is used to assess a wide range of practical based learning outcomes including practical skills and knowledge. A skills demonstration will require the learner to complete a task or series of tasks that demonstrate a range of skills.

Grading: Pass 50% – 64% / Merit 65% – 79%/ Distinction 80% – 100%

Accreditation

FETAC/QQI – Early Childhood Education and Practice Level 5 Minor award

FETAC/QQI – Work Experience Level 5 Minor award

Awarded by – (QQI) Quality & Qualifications Ireland

Progression

On successful completion of this Early Childhood Education and Practice and Work Experience courses, the participant will have achieved two of eight modules which lead to a Major Award in Early Childhood Care & Education Level 5

Tutor

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