Early Childhood Education & Play (QQI Level 5)

Course details

This module will:

• Outline the types, stages  patterns and purposes of children’s play.
• Describe a range of  theories of play in the context of children’s education to include Psychoanalytic theories (Freud, Winnicott) and Constructivist theories (Piaget, Vygotsky).
• Evaluate the role of the adult in children’s play.
• Explore a child lead approach to meeting the play and educational requirements of children.
• Describe different approaches to curriculum development and implementation in the ECCE setting.
• Assess the value of equipment, materials, play spaces, both indoors and outdoor in the ECCE setting.
• Use a range of reading and storytelling techniques appropriate to different stages of children’s development and cultural background.
• Select relevant play activities and materials appropriate to children’s interest and stage of development and cultural background.
• Implement appropriate curricula which promotes learning and the holistic development of the child
• Reflect on own role and responsibilities when supporting children in their play.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

• Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate and or relevant work/life experiences.
• Students must currently be working (or on work experience) in the childcare sector for a minimum of 6-8 hours per week, throughout the course, as assessments will require learners to draw upon practical experience and to also complete the Skills Demonstration element.
• As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
• If you take this course by distance learning the course material will be posted to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.
• If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.

Progression to further Studies:

• This course leads to a level 5 award on the National Framework of Qualifications. Learners can use this credit towards completing the major award in Early Childhood Care and Education – 5M2009.

Work Placements:

If students are not able to secure a Work Placement or provide Insurance for the duration required please contact us to discuss further as we may be able to assist students with placements and work place insurance in certain circumstances.

The Open College is also registered with the Garda vetting Unit and is in a position to offer students a Garda vetting service. There may be a delay in processing applications with the Garda Vetting Unit due to high demand so we advise you to complete the form on registration.

Assessment:

Assignments (2) 60%
Skills Demonstration 40%

Assignments (2)

The internal assessor will devise two briefs that require the candidate to produce evidence that demonstrates an understanding and application of a range of specific learning outcomes.

• Assignment One will ask the learner to explore the value of play and relates this to children’s learning and development
• Assignment Two will ask the learner to evaluate the equipment, materials and play spaces, both indoor and outdoor and includes the role of the adult in quality provision for children.

Skills Demonstration:

Learners are required to present a storytelling session to a child/group of children. This involves evaluating a range of books, appropriate for children. The learner will provide an evaluation of 4 books in total, each has a weighting of 10%.