FdA Early Childhood, Care and Education

The FdA Early Childhood, Care and Education is a general foundation degree aimed at increasing practitioners knowledge of children from birth to eight years of age. The course has a strong focus on Early Years and Key stage 1. The course is taught jointly by Yale College and Glyndŵr University.

This foundation degree is aimed at practitioners who are in employment but wish to study for a degree whilst working. It aims to bring together the practical knowledge and skills of experienced practitioners with up to date academic study in the field.

This degree is designed for people working with children in the 3 to 8 age range. If you have an interest in developing your professionalism in working with children and families this course will develop expertise for delivering the Early Years Foundation Phase and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The course also takes a ‘holistic’ approach to the child exploring many of the issues relevant to children and their families today, including child development and inclusive practice, ICT in early years and the role of play.

Key facts

• The course integrates academic and work-based learning for the personal and professional development of experienced and qualified practitioners
• The foundation degree offers you the chance to remain in work while studying and helps you to integrate theory in to practice
• You will engage in a range of assessment techniques to develop new and enhance existing knowledge, understanding and skills
• Students on this course will benefit from being part of Glyndŵr University’s new Centre for the Child, Family and Society

Course content

The course is designed to build upon your knowledge, skills and experience. You will explore some of the following areas:

• Child Development
• Observing, Planning and Assessing
• A Curriculum for Childhood
• ICT in the Early Years
• Exploring Relationships
• Play in Early Childhood
• Inclusive Practice
• Developing Literacy and Numeracy

Modules

Level 1

• Academic and Professional Development (20 credits)
• A Curriculum for Childhood (20 credits)
• The Developing Child 1 (20 credits)
• ICT in Childhood Studies (20 credits)
• Inclusive Education (20 credits)
• Reflective Practitioner (20 credits)

Level 2

• Child Protection (20 credits)
• The Developing Child 2 (20 credits)
• Literacy and Numeracy (20 credits)
• Management and Communication (20 credits)
• Research Project (20 credits)
• Working with Families (20 credits)

Career opportunities

This is a highly topical area of study as current policy and legislation is leading demand for experts in this field. The aim of the foundation degree is to develop you as a specialist in the care and education of children in the 3 to 8 age range. Completion of the foundation degree would also allow you to progress on to the final level of an honours degree.

Entry requirements and applying

A relevant early years qualification at level 3, plus at least a couple of years' work experience with early years or key stage one children. You must be working in an early years setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 150 hours per year and have the agreement of the setting to support you through your degree. See information on general entry requirements.