Approaches to Early Childhood Education - QQI Level 5

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the philosophy and practice underpinning a specific approach to Early Childhood Education, to include one of the following Montessori, Froebel, Steiner or Weikart.

Module objectives:

• To familiarise the learner with various educational theorists and their programmes suitable for young children: Maria Montessori, Friedrich Froebel, Rudolf Steiner and David P. Weikart (HighScope)
• To facilitate the learner in differentiating between the unique concepts of the various programmes.
• To provide the learner with the opportunity to explore materials and resources related to the various educational programmes.
• To facilitate the learner in planning, implementing suitable activities in for children in an ECCE environment.
• To enable the learner to define the various roles of the adult in relation to the education of young children.
• To enable learner to define the elements of a quality Early Childhood Care and Education.
• To encourage the learner to assess the value of a specific learning environment to the development and well-being of young children.

Topics Covered:

• Educational programmes suitable for young children.
• Suitable routines for children in  an ECCE environment.
• The value of a suitable environment to a child learning.
• The role of the adult in early childhood education.
• Reflection on the learners own role when working with children and member of the working team.