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Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education

Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education

Student-led critical interrogation of current challenges in early childhood education and care policy and practice
Open for application

Our Challenge

Students are introduced to a wide range of topics of current concern in early childhood care and education. 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, policy, 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 different countries and global regions, and ways in which similar issues are addressed internationally, and similarities and differences are identified and accounted for.

The Team

MU
Profile photo
Mathias Urban
Teamcher
0 learners
Study format
Blended
Application period
23 June – 15 August 2025
Study period
8 September – 5 November 2025
Credits
5 ECTS
Hosting university
Dublin City University
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Learning outcomes

LO1 - Learning Outcome 1

Analyse key issues in early childhood education and care policy.

ESCO SKILLS

LO2 - Learning Outcome 2

Describe the roles of key agencies/structures/government departments in relation to policy development and implementation.

ESCO SKILLS

LO3 - Learning Outcome 3

Appraise international /national influences on key policy initiatives in early childhood care and education.

ESCO SKILLS

LO4 - Learning Outcome 4

Deconstruct particular policies with reference to key constructs such as genesis, values, rationale, formulation, implementation, resistance and impact.

ESCO SKILLS

LO5 - Learning Outcome 5

Evaluate the actual and possible effects of particular policy developments on the ECCE sector.

ESCO SKILLS

LO6 - Learning Outcome 6

Identify emerging areas for early childhood care and education policy development.

ESCO SKILLS

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Information

Students are introduced to a wide range of topics of current concern in early childhood care and education. 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, policy, 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 different countries and global regions, and ways in which similar issues are addressed internationally, and similarities and differences are identified and accounted for.

Hosting university

Dublin City University

Dublin City University