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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

This two-year course will aim to prepare participants for work with young children in the rapidly expanding world of childcare and crèche supervision/management. The childcare worker needs social, communication and caring skills to work with individuals and groups. Childcare will lay a foundation for these skills and provide the work experience to put learning into practice.

This course will serve as training for crèche/community care/healthcare industries or as a link to childcare or early childhood education courses in many Universities and IT colleges throughout the country and the UK. This programme is ideal for both school leavers and experienced mature persons seeking a formal education.

Are you interested in working as an early learning practitioner? This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work competently, safely and effectively with young children in a childcare setting.

This programme will enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work as an early learning educator, supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years in the early learning and care setting. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training.

Take your passion for working with young children to the next level with the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6. Build on your level 5 qualifications and gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel in the ever-progressing field of ELC.

Building on your level 5 qualifications, the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care focuses on the holistic development and learning of the child. By taking a variety of modules, you’ll have the chance to further develop your knowledge, skills and competencies in the ELC sector, which can open up exciting opportunities for career progression.