Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is a college that places teaching and research at its core. ATU aims to provide students with a transformative university experience that prepares them to make significant contributions to society. With a focus on applied learning, teaching, and research that reflects the needs of businesses and professions in the region, ATU strives to be a preferred partner for research and innovation. The university seeks to attract and support students and staff from around the globe, enabling them to reach their full potential.

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This degree provides experiences, insights and knowledge into early childhood education and care. Early childhood educators work with children from infancy to primary school. Our programme aims to develop well-informed, articulate professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and care. There is a strong focus on play and learning, the close relationship to nature and outdoor experiences and children’s rights to participation. This firm academic foundation is cemented by a strong emphasis on practical application of theory. Students will spend 12 hours weekly in practice placement in order to provide them with an opportunity to link theory to practice. Students receive on-going support through placement by an experienced educator. See brochure here. Advanced Entry to Year 2 If you hold a QQI FET Level 6 major award you are eligible for consideration to enter directly into the second year of ECEC programme on the Mayo or Galway campus. Show less

Course Details
Four year honours degree offering learners the opportunity to become specialists in the care and education of young children between birth and six years of age

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Year 1
Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education and Care
5 credits

Exploring curriculum
5 credits

Language, Literacy and Numeracy
5 credits

Health, Safety and Well-being
5 credits

Importance of Play and Creativity
5 credits

Building and managing interpersonal relationships
10 credits

Practice development 1 - Quality and Practice
10 credits

Psychology and Child Development 0-6 years
10 credits

Year 2
Childhood development and learning (under 3's)
5 credits

Sociological discourse in Early Childhood Education and Care
5 credits

Diversity and equality
5 credits

Learning Environments
5 credits

Research with Children
10 credits

Supporting enquiry with children to enact the curriculum 0-6 years
10 credits

Early Childhood Law
10 credits

Practice Development 2 - Quality and Practice
10 credits

*Exit Award option available

Year 3
Family Centred Practice and Supports
5 credits

Transitions in Early Childhood Education and Care
5 credits

Outdoor Play
10 credits

Employment Law
5 credits

Leadership and Governance in ECEC settings
10 credits

Trends in ECEC
10 credits

Practice Development 3 - Action Research
15 credits

*Exit Award option available

Year 4
Professional Relationships in Early Childhood Education and Care
5 credits

Business Management for the Early Years Leader
5 credits

International Perspectives on Literacy and Numeracy in Early Childhood Education and Care
5 credits

Accounting for Entrepreneurs
5 credits

Reflective Practice
5 credits

Innovative Practices in Creativity
5 credits

Critical Perspectives on Neurodiversity
5 credits

Nature and Place
5 credits

Digital Technology and Digital Childhoods
10 credits

Practice Development 4 - Supervision and Mentoring
10 credits

School Age Childcare
5 credits

Enterprise Project
5 credits

Research Project
10 credits

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