Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education

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 early years are well recognised by legislators, policymakers, educationalists and researchers as a critical period in children’s learning and development. The ECE professional needs to understand many facets of the child’s learning and development and the role of early education and care in promoting the best outcomes for children. This course is approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board (instituted to review Level 7 and Level 8 degree courses for the Early Learning and Care Sector) as meeting the requirements of the Professional Award Criteria and Guidelines standards.