This module focuses on issues of personal and professional development in year 1, the foundational year. Learners will identify the role of the Early Years Educator and demonstrate an appreciation of the core values that underpin early childhood practice. Learners will identify the necessary interpersonal skills required to build professional relationships while engaging in a sustainable and ethical environment within a diverse range of early years settings. Learners will be required to have knowledge of key early years legislative and policy documents including an introduction to the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (DCYA, 2017). Learners will be introduced to the required skills to access, interpret and apply appropriate academic sources and key legislative and policy documentation.
Setting the Irish early childhood context
Introduction to key legislative and policy developments: Siolta (CECDE, 2006); Aistear (NCCA, 2009); Aistear and Siolta Practice Guide (NCCA, 2015); Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families (Govt of Ireland, 2019); Diversity Equality Charter and Guidelines (2016)
Safeguarding and the role of the professional
Children First Act (2015) & Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (DCYA, 2017), safeguarding, the role of the professional, mandated persons, designated liaison persons, identifying the signs of abuse, reporting procedures. Completion of the Children First online Tusla training
Accessing and interpreting relevant material
Learning to search for key literature in early childhood context and in particular the Irish context in relation to the significant legislative and policy developments. Skills of analysing, interpreting and formal writing
Academic Writing
Developing Writing Skills: Review of basic rules pertaining to spelling, capitalisation, punctuation and grammar. Essential writing skills; sentence structure, clarity and flow. Features of academic language and writing. Understanding and avoiding plagiarism. Sourcing and referencing in academic work according to guidelines. Protocols in e-mail and letter writing. Report writing.
This module incorporates tutorials and lectures. The students engage in class discussions. They are asked to reflect on set reading materials and contribute to group discussions. Students are asked to reflect on how the theoretical aspects of this module can influence their professional practice.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |