This module will introduce students to the discipline of social policy, with a particular focus on the Irish context of policy provision. Students will be introduced to the historical development of early childhood in Ireland and the key concepts in social policy including a focus on theoretical principals influencing social services. The influence of the Irish political, economic, cultural and social context and workings of the administrative systems will be emphasised. The module will examine the social policy background against which services for children and their families are framed and have developed in Ireland. Particular attention will be paid to the development of social policy structures and provision in the areas of early childhood care and education, health, housing, and family support including income maintenance, with a focus on the key issues and debates emerging in each of these areas. Key policy developments and debates nationally and internationally within early childhood care and education will also be examined.
Social Policy
Introduction to social policy What is social policySocial policy from past to present The emergence of social policy in Ireland The development of social policy from the 1920’s to the 1960’s Social policy in recent timesSocial Policy and ECCE Key concepts in social policy, equality, rights, needs, social justice The policy making process. Pressure Groups Policy formation Policy EvaluationEmerging policy issuesInternational and national perspectivesSocial Policy and the Welfare State Welfare State – origins, development and reform Political ideologies and welfare provision Welfare provision in Ireland The significance of the government and state in shaping people’s lives
Education Health and Housing Policy
Supporting Families and Children Ideological shifts Child welfare Family support projects Income maintenanceEducation/Early Childhood Care and Education Policy Historical development of educational/early childhood care and eduction system Current service provision Educational disadvantage Development of early childhood care and education programmes Health Policy Historical development of health policy Current structure of healthcare Services for childrenHousing Policy Overview of Irish housing system Development of housing policy Social housing Planning
Childcare and Early Childhood Care and Education Policy
Historical development of childcare and ECCE policy Contextual factors influencing ECCE policy developmentContemporary issues in early childhood policy Children’s rights Contemporary policy development in ECCEImpact of particular policy developments on the ECCE sector in Ireland
This module is a mixture of face to face lectures, tutorials and self directed learning. Students have the opportunity to reflect on current policy and engage with guest lecturers from practice on the policy requirement in the sector. The engage in independent research and have the opportunity to present their work in the class
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |