Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2017 - 2018
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Description Students are introduced to a wide range of topics of current concern in early childhood care and education in Ireland, and internationally. In relation to each topic, students engage in discussion, investigation and analysis. Of particular interest are quality-related issues. These include issues related to early education and care provision, curriculum, qualifications and pedagogy. Key agencies and structures are identified and their roles, responsibilities and powers in determining, influencing and implementing policy are investigated. Analyses focus on the various factors, beliefs and attitudes which underpin decision-making, policy development and policy implementation. How policy is implemented and the ways in which it may then translate into practice is investigated with reference to particular developments. Comparisons are drawn between issues as addressed in Ireland, and ways in which similar issues are addressed internationally, and similarities and differences are identified and accounted for. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse key issues in early childhood education and care policy in Ireland, and internationally. 2. Describe the roles of key agencies/structures/government departments in relation to policy development and implementation 3. Appraise international /national influences on key policy initiatives in early childhood care and education in Ireland, and internationally 4. Deconstruct particular policies with reference to key constructs such as genesis, values, rationale, formulation, implementation, resistance and impact. 5. Evaluate the actual and possible effects of particular policy developments on the ECCE sector in Ireland, and internationally 6. Identify emerging areas for early childhood care and education policy development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities 1The actual and possible impact of particular policy developments on the ECCE sector in Ireland, and internationally2Identification and description of key agencies/government departments and structures (research to be carried out by students)3Analyses of roles, responsibilities and powers (research to be carried out by students)4Insiders views on policy making/implementation in relation to e.g., workforce development, curriculum development, quality standards, pedagogy (Invited speakers)5Insiders views on policy making/implementation in relation to e.g., workforce development, curriculum development, quality standards, pedagogy (Invited speakers)6Exploration and analyses of key examples of policy development and subsequent implementation in ECCE settings e.g., National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources 22065, Website, 0, Various publications, imcluding policy briefs and submissions, http://www.startstrong.ie/, 22066, Website, 0, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, www.ncca.ie, 22067, Website, 0, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, www.dcya.gov.ie, 22068, Website, 0, Growing up in Ireland, http://www.growingup.ie/, 22230, Website, 0, http://www.oecd.org/education/school/earlychildhoodeducationandcare.htm, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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