GMIT Mayo offers new degree in Early Childhood Education and Care

GMIT is pleased to offer a new three year degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care, commencing September (2016) at the Mayo campus in Castlebar. An open information session about the new course will take place on campus on Tuesday, 19 July, from 2.30 to 4pm, and all are welcome.

The course is based on the contemporary principles of best practice as determined by Síolta, The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education (2006) and Aistear, The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (2009).  It incorporates a range of topics some of which include Psychology and Child Development, Creativity and Language, Early Childhood Law, Childhood Development and Learning, Outdoor Play and more (see full course modules and further details on www.gmit.ie/mayo).

This new degree is the result of a collaborative partnership involving GMIT Mayo, the Mayo Early Years Sector and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency (formerly the HSE). The partnership was formed in 2014 to consider the learning needs of the early years sector. 

This new innovative course integrates college-based learning with a 12-hours per week practice development. It aims to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and competencies required for autonomous working practice in Early Childhood Education and Care. A child-led transformational philosophy underpins the programme to build authentic reciprocal relationships with children, parents, colleagues, the community and other professionals.

“The launch of this new programme is particularly timely as the sector has been expanding over the last ten years and continues to grow with the introduction by the Department of Child and Youth Affairs of a second National Free Pre-School year and the Government’s desire to upskill the sector,” explains Justin Kerr, Head of Nursing, Health Science and Social Care at GMIT Mayo.

“We are delighted to offer this new course to assist with the ongoing development of the Early Years sector in County Mayo and beyond. GMIT Mayo has a remit to contribute to regional sustainable development and we see this course as part of the process of contributing to the sustainability of communities as Early Year Education is seen as vital component of societal fabric,” adds Mr Kerr.

To apply for the course go to http://www.gmit.ie/apply/apply-gmit  (scroll down to ‘Advanced Entry’ section) or write to GMIT Admissions Office, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway, for an application form.

Please note that as this course is Advanced Entry this year only (2016), successful applicants will commence year two of this new L7 course. From next year (2017), applications must be made through the CAO.

For more information or informal enquiries please email Justin.kerr@gmit.ie and/or Tel. 094 9043249 or Joanne Doherty Joanne.Doherty@gmit.ie

A special Open Information Session on this new programme will be held in GMIT Mayo on 19 July from 2.30pm to 4pm. GMIT staff will be available to discuss the programme and its content and to answer any queries.

For full details of the new course see: http://www.gmit.ie/nursing-and-social-care/department-nursing-and-socia…