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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title National Frameworks for ECE (Ireland)
Module Code EC104
School 77
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Geraldine French
Semester 2: Geraldine French
Autumn: Geraldine French
Module TeachersGeraldine French
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat examination
Description

Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education (CECDE, 2006) and Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA, 2009) provide the focus for this module. Materials and online resources related to each of the frameworks are examined and analysed, and the various components are appraised. Students are introduced to the four research papers associated with Aistear, and so begin to develop their understanding of its theoretical base. Differences and similarities between the frameworks in principles, aims and purposes are explored. The potential of the frameworks in helping educators improve the quality of children’s early experiences is examined through case studies of showing a range of ways in which the frameworks are used in early education settings.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the aims, principles and purposes of Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education
2. Describe the aims, principles and purposes of Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework
3. Explain the structure and content of each of the two frameworks
4. Use the Aistear Toolkit to critique pedagogy and practice in early education settings
5. Differentiate between the frameworks in terms of key components and features and compare them on a number of different levels, in particular on their recognition of the role of language in learning
6. Evaluate the potential of the frameworks for promoting high quality early experiences for children



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Assessment Feedback45No Description
Independent Study56No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Quality in early childhood care and education.
A rationale for Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education.

Exploring Síolta
Aims, principles, purpose.

The importance of early learning and development
A rationale for Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework.

Exploring Aistear
Aims, principles, purpose.

Introduction to the background papers
Introduction to the background papers.

Comparing the frameworks
Comparing the frameworks at the level of purpose, audience and children; underpinning principles; structure and underlying theories.

The frameworks as supports for quality and for professional practice
The frameworks as supports for quality and for professional practice.

Using Síolta in different contexts
Full-time and part-time day care; sessional services; child-minding; infant classes in primary school.

Using Aistear in different contexts
Full-time and part-time day care; sessional services; child-minding; infant classes in primary school.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Presentationn/a60%n/a
Loop Quizn/a30%n/a
Participationn/a10%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    39710, Website, NCCA, 2009, Aistear : User Guide., Dublin, NCCA, http://www.ncca.ie, 39711, Website, NCCA, 2009, The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and the Primary School Curriculum- Audit: Similarities and differences, Dublin, NCCA, http://www.ncca.ie, 39712, Website, 0, Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE), http://www.cecde.ie/, 39713, Website, 0, Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, http://www.cecde.ie/, 39714, Website, 0, Síolta handbook and user manuals for the four different types of early care and education settings (full-time and part-time day care; sessional services; childminding setting; infant classes in primary school), http://www.siolta.ie/, 39715, Website, 0, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) (2009). Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, http://www.ncca.ie, 39716, Website, 0, Early Learning, www.ncca.ie/earlylearning, 39717, Website, 0, Aistear, www.ncca.ie/aisteartoolkit,
    Programme or List of Programmes
    BECEBachelor of Early Childhood Education
    Archives:

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