Higher Certificate of Science in Early Childhood Care, Health and Education

Course details

This is a two year programme designed to introduce students to the disciplines involved in early years’ education. The programme provides an introduction to a wide range of theoretical and practical skills including the developing child, children’s behavior, curriculum studies, creativity and imagination, child protection, child health and practical methods of engaging children through play. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in work placement settings. Students, on successful completion of the HC may progress to the BSc (Hons) ECCHE or choose to work within the early years’ education sector.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• At least five Leaving Certificate subjects, including English or Irish at OD3 or higher (not Foundation Level Irish), and Maths at OD3/FB2/HE OR
• Have obtained a full FETAC Level 5 5M2786/DCHCC or 5M2009/DCHSC including distinctions in at least three of the following modules:
  • D20153/5N1770: Working in Childcare
  • D20159/5N1765: Caring for Children
  • D20005/5N1764: Child Development
  • D20007/5N1773: Early Childhood Education

Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements may be admitted to the programme on the grounds of mature years, if they have attained appropriate experience and attainment thresholds deemed equivalent. Applicants may avail of LYIT’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Suitably qualified direct applicants may be eligible for admission to Year 2.

FETAC Quota

A quota of 2 places is reserved for those presenting FETAC results. For further information on FETAC applications

Garda Vetting

Applicants who join this course will have to be vetted by the Gardaí. If the Gardaí raise an issue it will have to be addressed satisfactorily. If it is not, students will not be able to fulfil the course requirements, in which case students will be asked to leave the course. Students will also be vetted prior to placement by the relevant placement provider.

Course Outline

Year 1

Semester 1

• Introduction to Psychology & Sociology
• Introduction to Irish Law
• Professional Scholarship
• Education & Play

Semester 2

• Early Years Environment
• Curriculum Studies
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons
• Understanding Children’s Behaviour

Year 2

Semester 3

• Creativity in the Early Years
• Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
• Child Health & Disability
• Children & Families Support

Semester 4

• Practice Placement 1

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this programme the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of an Early Years practitioner;
• Understand child development, learning theories and early childhood pedagogy;
• Reflect upon contemporary issues in early childhood education, family studies, and research;
• Appreciate the cultural contexts of early childhood settings and the diversity of children and families who experience these contexts;
• Develop a broad foundation of professional practice to effectively undertake the role of early childhood practitioner;
• Integrate and apply key skills and knowledge in work based projects;
• Communicate with confidence and empathy and understand the relevance of reflection as learning and self-development tool;
• Develop increasing competence and capacity as an independent student.

Placement

Placement is an integral part of the programme and provides students with an opportunity to learn from experience through supervised practice. Experiential learning in this way provides opportunities to reflect on practice and to apply theory to practice. The work placement also provides the student with opportunities for observation and engagement in needs assessment, early childhood curriculum planning and implementation.

Follow-on Courses

Students who successfully complete the Higher Certificate at the required standard are eligible to apply for entry into the Degree programme which is available internally at LYIT or through a range of other Institutes of Technology and Universities in Ireland and abroad.

Career Opportunities

The Childcare Act (1991) and ensuing regulation of early childhood care and education together with other national initiatives has created a strong demand for graduates of childcare studies who are able to work across traditional disciplinary and professional boundaries. Consequently, childcare and education is a rapidly expanding service that is providing career and further educational opportunities for graduates.

The Main Employers are:

• Private Sector Childcare Facilities such as crèches, nurseries, playgroups, pee-schools, homework clubs;
• The Health Services – special needs services, family support services and community services
• Primary Schools – classroom assistant;
• Other Public Services – specialist adviser, researcher, social planning.