Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education & Care

Chevron College recognises that every childhood lasts a lifetime and acknowledges the significant role the Early Childhood Educator plays in shaping early childhood.  Chevron, therefore, aims to ensure that graduates of this programme will emerge as highly qualified professionals who equally value their role, and the role of early childhood education and care.

The diversity of this programme will ensure that Early Childhood Educators are equipped with the competence to navigate the ever-changing landscape of early childhood education and care in Ireland.  It aims to enable Early Years Educators to support the holistic care and development of all children within their practice, with an emphasis on supporting children’s rights, inclusion, diversity and collaborative practice.

Early Childhood Educators will emerge from the programme as highly employable, child-centred professionals and leaders, with the tools to positively impact the lives of young children.  Graduates can work as Early Years Educators, take on leadership and management roles within the sector, and undertake further academic study and research.

Students will be supported through this journey of personal and professional development by a team of highly qualified and experienced Early Childhood Education and Care lecturers and support staff.

Level 7

• Stage 2: 750 hours of ECEC professional practice placement are required in Stage 2 (Semester 1 and Semester 2)
• Stage 3: 750 hours of ECEC professional practice placement are required in Stage 3 (Semester 1 and Semester 2)

Level 8

• Stage 4: 250 hours of ECEC professional practice placement are required in Stage 4 (Semester 1 only).

During each stage, professional practice placement must:

• Include a minimum of 40 hours with two of the age groups below;
  1. 0 to 18 months;
  2. 19 months to 2 years and 7 months;
  3. 2 years and 8 months to 6 years, including children with additional needs.

Other requirements:

• A minimum of 40 hours must be completed in a second early childhood service during each stage (typically learners will use the 40 hours in a second early childhood service to meet the second age group requirement of each stage).
• A minimum of 40 hours must be completed with all three age groups by the end of Stage 3.
• Placement must be completed in a Tusla-registered early childhood service (crèche, pre-school, Montessori, Early Start Unit or ASD pre-school class).

Professional Practice Placement Checklist:

Level 7 Checklist (Stage 2 and Stage 3)

Can you…?

• Complete 750 hours of ECEC professional practice placement in Stage 2.
• Complete 750 hours of ECEC professional practice placement in Stage 3.
• Work a minimum of 40 hours with two of the age groups below during each stage, ensuring 40 hours has been completed with all three age groups by the end of Stage 3;
  1. 0 to 18 months;
  2. 19 months to 2 years and 7 months;
  3. 2 years and 8 months to 6 years, including children with additional needs.
• Complete 40 hours in a second early childhood service during Stage 2 and during Stage 3. (You can use the 40 hours in a second early childhood service to meet the age group requirements above).
• Complete these hours in a Tusla-registered early childhood service (crèche, pre-school, Montessori, Early Start Unit or ASD pre-school class).

Level 8 Checklist (Stage 2, Stage 3 and Stage 4)

Can you..?

• Meet the requirements of the Level 7 checklist above and well as;
• Complete 250 hours of ECEC professional practice placement in Stage 4 (Semester 1).
• Work a minimum of 40 hours with two of the age groups below;
  1. 0 to 18 months;
  2. 19 months to 2 years and 7 months;
  3. 2 years and 8 months to 6 years, including children with additional needs.
• Complete 40 hours in a second early childhood service. (You can use the 40 hours in a second early childhood service to meet the age group requirements above).
• Complete these hours in a Tusla-registered early childhood service (crèche, pre-school, Montessori, Early Start Unit or ASD pre-school class).