What is a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care?
The BA in Early Childhood Education and Care is QQI accredited online, flexible degree, suitable for those interested in obtaining a career in the Childhood Education and Care sector (ECEC). Chevron College offers both Level 7 (Ordinary Degree) and Level 8 (Honours Degree). If you have a QQI Level 6 in Childcare, the duration of level 7 is 2 years, and the duration of the level 8 is 3 years.
Early Childhood Education and Care Programme content
If you have successfully completed a QQI Level 6 in childcare you may complete the BA degree quicker than the usual 4 years, starting at stage 2. e.g. Level 7 can be completed in 2 years and Level 8 can be completed in 3 years. However, if not you can begin at Stage 1.
In terms of professional placement practice, 720 hours is required to be completed in both stages 2 and 3 (level 7), along with 250 hours in stage 4 (level 8).
Stage 1
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 & 3 BA Level 7 Ordinary Degree (120 credits)
In Stage 2, learners will get a comprehensive understanding of the essential topics and concepts related to the role of the Early Years Educator. Learners will assess global and national early years practice and explore strategies to promote holistic child development, emphasising creativity, inclusiveness, equity, and collaboration.
Stage 3 aims to help learners gain a thorough grasp of the role of Early Years Educators and Leaders. Learners will assess global and national early years practice, including ways for creating a high-quality and compliant environment. Learners will strengthen their professional practice and ethical leadership skills via study, reflection, and placement.
Stage 4
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.
If interested in obtaining a Level 8 in Early Childhood Education, please click here for more detail.