The Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care, Health & Education is a two-year course that equips graduates with the necessary competencies to work in a supervisory position with young children and their families. It is an invigorating and exciting career path with opportunity to gain employment as a lead Early Childhood Educator. The Higher Certificate programme is delivered with theory lectures, practical work, and group tutorial classes, adopting a spiral curriculum approach. This method progressively builds on the student’s capacity as an Early Childhood Educator, assessor and facilitator of young children’s learning and development through play. 

Early Childhood Education (ECE) generally refers to education before the start of primary school attendance (0-6 years in Ireland). Services include pre-schools, Naíonraí, specific intervention centres such as community support preschools, Barnardo's childcare services, Focus Ireland support services, crèches, child-minding and after-school groups. 

Students will study a wide range of courses to help them become knowledgeable, dedicated early childhood practitioners. These include child psychology, play, language and literacy, enquiry-based learning, child care and protection, arts and the early years.

You will learn about educators who have influenced the education of young children, including Montessori,  and Vygotsky. You will learn about the Aistear  and will take education placements in a variety of early childhood settings.

The diversity of this programme will ensure that Early Childhood Educators are equipped with the competence to navigate the ever-changing landscape of early childhood education and care in Ireland. It aims to enable Early Years Educators to support the holistic care and development of all children within their practice, with an emphasis on supporting children’s rights, inclusion, diversity and collaborative practice.

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) reflects a holistic view of the education (e.g. early stimulation, education, developmental activities) and care (e.g. health, nutrition, hygiene, safety and security, responsive caregiving) of young children from 0 to 6 years of age. Therefore, this course is designed to equip graduates with the essential core knowledge, practices and values to fulfil the role of a professional early childhood educator.

This degree programme is delivered through a blend of lectures, workshops, practicals, tutorials and online support. Work placements are an integral part of the programme. All students participate in a supervised work placement in one of a variety of settings in Ireland or abroad for two full semesters.

In the final year of the programme, you study research methods, specialise in chosen areas and complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

This course is designed to prepare graduates for employment in early childhood services in Ireland. 

Theory is delivered in conjunction with work based learning in supervised practice placements over two full semesters, so that students are provided with the necessary practical and managerial skills to work in, set up and/or run a service.

This approach is intended to assist students in obtaining the knowledge, values and skills required to generate high standards of practical performance to manage a facility.

This Level 7 programme focuses on the development of a sound practical skillset for a career in the sector and the emphasis on the supervised work placements is to further develop theoretical concepts in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education for practical implementation.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care is a four-year, day and evening delivery programme, designed for people who are interested in pursuing opportunities in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector.

The aim of the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care is to provide learners with a firm foundation in Early Childhood Education and Care so as to practice as Professional Early Childhood Educators in a range of ECEC environments. 

This course explores the varied approaches to early childhood education and care, including child development, child psychology, sociology of childhood, art, drama and music, equality, diversity and inclusion, language acquisition, health and well-being, and safeguarding children. You’ll gain insights into outdoor learning and risky play through our purpose-built outdoor classroom. 

If you’re interested in working with children and finding out how they develop and learn, are eager to study different cultures, languages and diversity in the world, and enthusiastic about making a difference in children’s lives, this course will suit you.

It explores the varied approaches to early childhood education and care, including child development, child psychology, sociology of childhood, art, drama and music, equality, diversity and inclusion, language acquisition, health and well-being, and safeguarding children. You’ll gain insights into outdoor learning and risky play through our purpose-built outdoor classroom. You’ll be able to apply and adapt your learning in the realistic setting of our dedicated early-childhood practice room.

The programme offers the student the opportunity to study early childhood from differing perspectives – educational, psychological, social, and cultural.

The programme also includes tuition in art, music and drama, which provides an extensive portfolio of child-centred activities. Attention is also paid to practical skills needed in this type of work such as child health, exercise and nutrition, and the physical care of children.

This two-year Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care provides learners with a comprehensive education on the role of early childhood educators.The programme aims to provide learners with an education for professional practice in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The programme has a practice development module which gives learners the opportunity to complete a student placement in an early-years setting every week of study for 12 hours. Early childhood is the period from birth to six years.

Throughout the course, students will explore the exciting and dynamic content and practice, giving you the knowledge and skills to be a formidable candidate for any career path you may choose to pursue in the area. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) reflects a holistic view of the education. You will have the opportunity to study modules such as Child Health and Wellbeing, Play, STEAM, Curriculum, Leadership and Management and School Age Childcare. This course is designed to equip graduates with the essential core knowledge practices and values to fulfill the role of professional Early Childhood Educator.

Early childhood education and practice involves supporting babies and young children to become competent and confident learners through loving relationships with others. Children require high-quality education and care during their formative years. Research indicates that the higher the professional qualification of the educator working with the children, the higher the quality of the setting and the children’s experiences in it.

Early childhood education or early learning and care, is a very rewarding profession that supports the development of young children from infancy and throughout the childhood years. Direct practice involves working with children by tailoring learning experiences to children’s individual needs. Supporting parents in their parenting role is also an essential part of the job.

Indirect practice involves managing services, educating students, professional representation, governance and national policy development. Such wide ranging career opportunities ensures early childhood education is a rewarding and diverse profession.

Early childhood education and care involves supporting babies and young children to become competent and confident learners through loving relationships with others. Children require high-quality education and care during their formative years.

Research indicates that the higher the professional qualification of the educator working with the children, the higher the quality of the setting and the children’s experiences in it.

This course is a four-year programme, which equips graduates with the theoretical, policy, legal and practical knowledge required to work in early years services. Learning is through experiential and self-directed learning activities, as well as through group work and presentations.

The final year research project is supervised by an experienced research team. Placement opportunities in each year of study supports learners to become competent early childhood educators. 

This course provides comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the early years of a child’s life. This course is focused on the holistic development of young children and aims to equip students with the necessary skills to work effectively with children, families, and communities. Students explore key theories, research findings, and practical approaches related to child development, learning, and wellbeing.

This full-time degree will prepare you for a range of leadership roles in the Early Childhood Education and Care. It is a progressive level 8 degree, supporting the development of outstanding early childhood educators.

The overarching aim of this degree is to foster and develop the knowledge, skills, competencies, and values of emerging Early Years Professionals to be independent and professional educators. The programme aims to meet the criteria for initial professional education, forming graduates who have the expertise to nurture and enrich infants' and young children's lives in early years learning and care settings. Combining theory with professional practice, this applied degree supports graduates to become skilled, competent, ethical, and reflective practitioners. 

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children in a variety of settings. Students will gain an insight into how children learn and develop, through class participation and professional practice placement. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress into higher education and employment.

This qualification focuses on understanding play, child development, and learning within historical and socio-cultural contexts, preparing you for diverse roles in the early childhood sector.

You will explore disciplines like psychology, sociology, education, and health to develop a deep understanding of early childhood development and education.

You will have the opportunity to undertake 150 hours of supervised placement to enhance your academic and practical skills, preparing you for a rewarding career in early childhood settings.

The course enhances your understanding of young children’s play, development, and learning in various contexts. It incorporates local and international perspectives on children’s rights, health, well-being, and diverse pedagogical approaches.

A key feature is the opportunity for you to choose from a number of elective modules;

• Inclusive Education Practice
• Montessori Education
• Provision of School Age Childcare