Is Level 7 in Childcare a degree?
Yes, according to the National Framework of Qualifications, a level 7 in Childcare/Early Childhood Education and Care is an Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree. The duration of the level 7 degree is 3 years, and the Level 8 Honours Degree duration is 4 years. However, if you have already successfully completed the QQI level 6 Childcare certification you may fast-track to stage 2, meaning you can achieve level 7 (Ord) in 2 years and level 8 (Hons) in 3 years.
Degree Stages
Stage 1 (60 Credits)
Stage 1 of the course will familiarise students with the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector, including legislation, quality, and curricular requirements. Students will investigate concepts, theories, and strategies related to early childhood learning and development, and they will understand the value of a play-based, inclusive early learning environment. Students will begin on a journey to discover their own professional identity and pedagogical practices to become reflective, ethical, child-centered Early Childhood Educators.
Stage 2 and 3 (120 Credits)
In terms of the programme content, stage 2 and 3 BA Level 7 Ordinary Degree is worth 120 credits. Stage 2 will provide learners with a strong understanding of the key areas and concepts concerning to the role of the Early Years Educator. Learners will evaluate current early years practice from a global and national context and will examine strategies and practices to support the holistic development of children, with an emphasis on creativity, inclusion, equity, and collaborative practice. children’s rights, creativity, inclusion, equality, and collaborative practice.
Stage 3 will further support learners to develop an in-depth understanding of key areas and concepts related to the role of the Early Years Educator and Leader. Learners will evaluate current early years practice from a global and national context and will examine strategies and practices to ensure a high-quality, complaint early years environment. Through research, reflection and professional practice placement learners will further develop their professional practice and emergence as ethical and transformative leaders.
Stage 4 (60 Credits)
Stage 4 provides a broad and complex understanding of ECEC in Ireland. Learners will investigate management’s involvement in ECEC, including theories and practices for providing high-quality ECEC and school-age childcare services. Learners will assess existing research and conduct new research on Early Childhood Education and Care.
Please click here to read more about the BA Early Childhood Education.