Foundation Degree in Early Years

About This Course

The College is, in collaboration with the University of Chichester and other partners, offering a Foundation Degree (FDA) in Early Childhood Studies. This has the following features:

• A three year program based around six semesters
  
• The two main emphases of the Foundation Degree are: theoretical understanding and Work Based Learning
  
• The qualification consists of sixteen (equivalent) units. Each of these will be assessed through a variety of means that include: assignments, portfolio work, essays, case studies, class and work based activities.
  
• The FDA allows progression onto two different routes: the BA in Childhood Studies at the University of Chichester and leads to Early Years Professional Status at the IW College
  
• Applications are being considered from now.
  

Duration 3 years

Delivery Part-time

• A minimum of 2 AS Levels in relevant subjects/Level 3 or 4 in Childcare and Education or Health and Social Care Access course with relevant subjects. Other relevant qualifications and in some In some cases, applicants with wide, relevant sector experience but without relevant qualifications; a diagnostic task will need to be taken to assess suitability.
• Applicants are expected to be in full or part time work in a relevant childcare setting a minimum of 12 hours per week
• Applicants will need a mentor in their workplace to assist their learning in the context of their work

Work experience
It is essential that candidates are practicing childcare in a relevant setting for at least twelve hours per week, in order to be able to complete work based learning tasks.

Partner University

The Foundation Degree (FDA) in Early Childhood Studies is validated and awarded by the University of Chichester.

Course information

The FdA aims to encourage childcare practitioners to adopt a critical view of their own workplace practice and that of others. It covers a wide range of aspects of childcare; from curriculum issues to observations, child development to social science. There is a heavy bias on psychology and children's learning. Teaching typically takes place in small groups and a wide variety of teaching methods are used from lectures to group work, activities and presentations. Most of the assessed work is linked directly to workplace practice. The FdA is designed to provide theoretical underpinning knowledge to childcare practice in order to meet the demands of government initiatives to raise standards and increase the professionalization of childcare.

Progression

Although a recognised qualification in itself, the FdA in Early Childhood Studies forms the first two years of the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies. Students wishing to complete this degree have the option to do this over one year at the University of Chichester, or at The Isle of Wight College over two years.

Students wishing to achieve Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) can complete the BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies and take the assessment to gain this recently introduced program to qualify childcare practitioners as leaders for the new Early Years Foundation Stage. Alternatively, students may wish to complete the Degree and take the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education to qualify them as school teachers.

Attendance at College:

The course is run over two semesters per year; the first from September to January; the second January to May. You will have normal school holidays during this time.

The FDA year 1 is run on Mondays 2pm - 9pm and your time at college will look a little like this:

2pm - 4pm:

Private research and study time plus academic tutorials

Attendance is optional during this time, but appointments for individual academic tutorials do need to kept or rearranged

4pm - 5pm:

Portfolio workshops and surgeries

5pm - 6.30pm

Module lectures, workshops and study

7pm - 9pm

Module lectures, workshops study and supported research

Type of Study :: Course Duration :: Course reference number :: Start Date :: Tutorial Fees :: Material Fees :: Exam Fees
part time CH555 September 2010 907 25 incl