Early Childhood Care & Education

Course Code: 5M2009

Course Details

Award Title	Award Code	Fees	Status
School Age Childcare	5M2009	€250.00	Open - Apply Now

Course Outline

To provide students with the skills, knowledge and competence required to pursue a career in Early Childhood Care & Education. The course will also give students an insight into the range of employment opportunities in the health service/special needs sector.

Work Experience takes place One Day per week for the duration of the course with a two week Block in January.

Work Experience

Work experience takes place one day per week throughout the academic year. Students have a practical opportunity here to apply theory, knowledge and interpersonal skills in a variety of childcare and educational settings.

Special Features

Course directed by professional and qualified tutors who are credited with a wealth of practical experience. Preparation for employment in a wide variety of settings including schools (special, pre-school and crèches), day-care, residential care, and after school programmes.

Entry Requirements

QQI Level 4, minimum of 17 years of age at time of registration, Leaving Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied, Equivalent qualifications from other countries, relevant life experiences, relevant work experiences and mature students.

Please Note

Galway Community College reserves the right to make changes to any course, to limit the number of places available or to withdraw a course. No part of this information shall be deemed to form a contract between the college and a student or a third party.

Course Modules

Child Development - 5N1764

The module aims to provide the student with an introduction to the theory and practice of child development from o�6years. To identify and respond appropriately to children�s developmental needs in the home and in the early years setting. The component aims to promote good practice, equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in lifestyles, religion and culture in the early years.

Child Health & Well Being - 5N1765

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to provide for the health and well-being of children to maintain healthy, hygienic and safe practices and environments in a range of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) settings. (FETAC)

Communications - 5N0690

This programme module aims to facilitate the learner to develop the academic, vocational & personal language, literacy and/or numeracy skills related to Communications. It will assist the learner in understanding the use of modern information and communications technology integrated with the role played by communications and relevant legislation in human interaction.

Creative Arts for Early Child - 5N1769

This programme aims to equip the student with the knowledge, skill and competence to ensure that each child�s learning, development, and well-being is facilitated through the provision of creative opportunities. To test open ended materials and natural items for creative arts in both outdoor and indoor environments ,which promote the holistic development of the child.

Early Care and Education Practice - 5N1770

This programme aims to equip the student with knowledge, skills and competence in Early Childhood Care and Education practice. To familiarise the student with the historical development of the ECCE sector in Ireland, the relevant legislation and policies pertaining to a quality ECCE environment. To understand the importance of effective communication with families, of self� awareness, personal reflection, and reflective practice in relation to working in an ECCE setting.

Early Childhood Education and Play - 5N1773

This module aims to equip the student with the knowledge, skill, and competence to ensure that each child�s learning, development and well being is facilitated through the provision of play opportunities, experiences, activities, interaction , materials and equipment. Having regard to the age and stage of development of the child and the child�s cultural context.

Occupational First Aid - 5N1207

Basic First aid, CPR and AED training included.

School Age Childcare - 5N1769

This programme aims to equip the student with the knowledge, skill and competence to implement and evaluate an afterschool programme. To enable the student to reflect on the role and responsibilities of those providing an afterschool programme.

Work Experience - 5N1356

This programme module aims to provide a Learner with the personal knowledge, skills and capacity to participate in a suitable work placement under supervision for a limited time. It will also facilitate the learner to develop an understanding of the world of work and employment, Including the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employee.

Progression Routes

BA Degree in Early Childhood Studies and Practice NUI Galway
BA Degree in Childcare Supervisory Management (level7) in Galway- accreditation Athlone IT
BA Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
BA in Early Childhood Care and Education in Sligo IT
BA in Montessori Education in Dublin, Cork and Limerick

Career Opportunities

Many Career Opportunities include working in the following

Creche
Preschool/Afterschool
S.N.A. (Special Needs Assistant)
Child Minding
Work Abroad
Summer Camps at Home & Abroad
Last Minute Minders

Video & Media

Course Coordinator

Mary Gibbons

mary.gibbons@gretb.ie

What Our Students Say

Last year I completed my fetac level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education. Throughout the year I found the course very enjoyable but demanding as commitment was essential. With the support of my teachers I was able to focus and complete all of my modules receiving an overall distinction in my course. I am currently studying my level 6 and am enjoying this year as much as my last in GCC.

Gemma O'Connor 2015

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