Foundation Degree (FdA) Early Childhood Education

Modules: Year one -

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Professional and Academic Development
• Observing Children
• Early Childhood Pioneers
• Children and Childhoods

Year two -

• Holistic Development of the Child
• Play in the 21st Century
• Meeting the Needs of the Child
• Safeguarding
• Work Based Enquiry

Applicants should have completed at least twelve months' experience within the Early Years sector, and preferably hold a level three qualification.

Suitable applicants will be invited to interview, which may include a written task to further demonstrate their suitability for the course.

Additional requirements Entry requirements are designed to increase access to Higher Education and consequently, the programme will recognise and encourage diverse entry routes and Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (AP(E)L).

Credit transfer and accreditation of prior learning or experience: Applicants who have achieved a qualification such as a certificate of higher education, or have gained credits at another higher education institution, may be able to enter the course at level 5. Evidence of AP(E)L (original certificate and academic tran) will need to be presented to, and accepted by the University of Roehampton.

This Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Education will provide students with opportunities to progress to further study through the completion of a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education at Carshalton. Graduates who successfully complete the programme secure a variety of roles, such as education professionals in primary and nursery care (teaching, administration and management), special needs professionals working in schools, children centres and in the community, children's charity work undertaking policy and research, community support, welfare and housing professionals, working in the voluntary sector and for central and local government departments.

Academic Support

Support is provided in the following areas:

• Study skills
• Written English
• Academic writing- Research Skills
• Critical thinking and understanding arguments
• Overall workload

Teaching Staff You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the course modules.

This course is not currently offered to students requiring a Tier 4 Visa. There are courses available for suitable Tier 4 students across STCG.

The modules are taught through a combination of workshops, lectures, e-learning and seminars. All students are expected to prepare for the sessions by completing set tasks of recommended reading and/or research as stated in the 'Overview of Sessions' section of the module handbook.

Independent learning:

In addition to weekly attendance for the modules, students are required to undertake 20 hours of independent study. When not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities.

Assessment:

The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major dissertation project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. All assessment is spread across the year to make the workload manageable.