This course is aimed at practising Early Years practitioners that hold a relevant Level 3 qualification and have had at least two years post-Level 3 experience in an Early Years setting for a minimum of 16 hours per week.
In order to access the programme individuals must be working (paid or unpaid) in an appropriate early years setting (for example a school, nursery, children's centre, Sure Start setting, childminding setting) and have professional access to children between the ages of birth to eight years for the duration of the programme of study. In addition, applicants must:
- be 18 years or over by 31 December in their first year of study;
- have a Level 3 childcare qualification or equivalent
- have experience working in the early years sector;
- have a commitment to continuing professional development in the early years sector;
- attend an interview prior to joining the programme;
- have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check)
For entry to level 5/year two, applicants must:
- have 120 credits at level 4 in a Child Care FD or equivalent;
- have experience working in the early years sector;
- have a commitment to continuing professional development in the early years sector;
- have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check)
Each year consists of one Professional Development Portfolio (PDP - 60 credits) and three academic modules (20 credits each). The PDP consists of a range of competencies relating to duties and experiences within a practical Early Years setting, mentor/witness testimonies are required hence need for a mentor.
Year One academic modules:
- Understanding Child Development - exploring the impact of psychological and sociological theories on practice
- Early Years Policy and Practice - understanding the impact of government policy and legislation on Early Years practice
- Approaches to Pedagogy - considering the theories behind the range of teaching and learning strategies used in Early Years settings in the UK and internationally
The Professional Development Portfolio consists of a range of competencies relating to the practical element of the programme. The academic modules are assessed through a variety of formative tasks and an end-of-module written piece.
There are a range of top-up degrees including BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and BA (Hons) Education.
For further information and to apply go to:-
http://www.tees.ac.uk/undergraduate_courses/Education_Early_Childhood_&_...
