Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies

Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
UCAS code: CLX0
The Programme
The course offers a comprehensive and in depth knowledge of children's development and the provision of innovative practice to support their learning. There are no examinations but essays, presentations, case studies and reports contribute to the module grades.
The Programme Content
The course is designed around five areas of importance for the Early Years sector and for those working with young children. These are Developmental Psychology; Sociology and Research; Inclusion Provision and Practice; Social Policy and Welfare and Interpersonal Skills in Multi-professional Teams.
Module Descriptions
Stage 1 Core Modules (Year One)
EC101 Understanding Children's Learning introduces some important theories of children's development. Observational techniques will be studied and used to analyse children's development in the light of theory.
EC102 Interpersonal Skills in Teams introduces theoretical approaches to understanding interpersonal skills and explores the difficulties of membership in a team, leadership and decision-making within a professional context. There will be opportunities to work in small groups and analyse group processes through the development of reflective skills.
EC103 Children's Rights & Welfare.The focus of this module is the lives of young children in the UK; exploring key social and political issues that affect them and their families. The influence of international agreements on UK legislation in regard to the rights of children and safeguarding them is investigated.
EC104 Today's Child: Children's lives in Britain today are diverse in experience. This module looks at family patterns and social factors which influence these experiences. Comparative studies are used to develop awareness of historical and social constraints.
EC105 Provision for Children introduces patterns of Early Years provision for children 0-8 years in the UK and compares this with provision from around the world.
EC107 "Include Me". introduces some key perspectives on inclusion and disability, critically examining historical and cultural views. It challenges participants to examine their own attitudes and values.
EC100 Personal Development Planning builds on your existing study skills. The guidance and advice given ensures levels of academic achievement on the programme are optimised.
EC108 Work-based Learning provides you with opportunities to explore and develop ways of learning from practical engagement with children and teams in early years settings.
Entry Requirements
Mode of Study
Full time over two years.
Part time over three years.
Timetabled Days
Year One September 2010 Tuesday & Wednesday 9.00- 4.15
or Wednesday 4.30-8.30 for the evening group
Costs
Optional visits linked to various modules will be offered at approximately #10 per visit. Students are encouraged to buy at least one core book per module. Stationery - memory stick USB, files, photocopying, etc. Criminal Record Bureau clearance #36.
There will also be a small fee charged for photocopying.
Progression Careers
Employability is a key feature of all Foundation Degrees, including yours. The Workforce Reform in the early years sector will require graduate employees in most settings during the coming years. Children's Centres and multi-professional teams are possible areas of employment,