About BA (hons) In Early Childhood Education in National College of Ireland

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education is a four-year, programme, designed for people who are interested in pursuing opportunities in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector. The overall goal of the programme is the development of professional educators for the future who specialise in early childhood education.

The course incorporates key topics including child health and wellbeing, national frameworks such as Aistear and Siolta, legislation and regulation, play, policy, methods and key aspects of leadership and management in the sector. Students are encouraged to reflect, enquire and investigate a range of theoretical and practical approaches to learning and development in early childhood education. A professional placement in an early childhood education setting is included on the course from year two. It also offers students an opportunity to combine their experiences and skills in a final year specialist project.

The course provides a pathway to competence and professional employment in early childhood education. It offers a strong core of foundation modules in education and in personal development as an educator and includes distinct specialist modules that deal with the unique characteristics of the ECE sector. Students will be supported in their learning and development as professional early childhood educators to go out into the workforce as innovators and leaders, competent in the skills that are required in the current landscape of the ECE sector and those of the future.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideally suited to those working in the ECE sector such as crèche settings, pre-school settings, special needs assistants, childminders, home visitors, those currently working in early start or early intervention programmes, early childhood education practitioners in the Health Services Executive and Tulsa: the child and family support agency and curriculum trainers in the field of early childhood education.

Career Prospects

Graduates will possess the skills to work as room leaders or supervisors working directly with children, setting managers, advisory, mentorship, training and leadership roles.

The report of the Expert Advisory Group on the National Early Years Strategy, established by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in October 2013; “Right from the Start” highlighted the need for training of leaders and managers in early years settings. The ECCE Scheme (free preschool year) also offers a higher capitation fee to pre-school service providers where all leaders hold a bachelor degree in childhood/early education (level 7 on the NFQ or equivalent) and have three years of experience in the sector. This indicates a government commitment towards a graduate-led workforce in ECE.

Award and Progression

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Early Childhood Education is awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this course may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Learning and Teaching, including the further education strand of this award for initial teacher education in the further education sector, and/or the Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching.

The programme includes three related exit awards, offering learners the chance to select the programme that best suits their learning objectives:

BA (Ordinary) in Early Childhood Education (180 credits)
Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Education (120 credits)
Certificate in Early Childhood Education (60 credits)

Students may exit at different stages and receive the appropriate award.

Applicants will require a level 5 qualification in any discipline ideally with professional involvement in the delivery of learning in early childhood education. All applicants will be interviewed by the Programme Director. Additional requirements as needed for the ECE sector. The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience.

Garda Vetting

NCI applicants undertaking the BA Hons in Early Childhood Education must undergo the Garda Vetting process. For courses that need to be Garda vetted a students’ registration is not considered complete until Garda Vetting has taken place and the student is deemed suitable for placement.

Applicants who accept places in programmes which require Garda Vetting will be sent the necessary forms by NCI. Your rights in relation to this are available on the vetting section of An Garda Síochána’s website 

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