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.
Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education
Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education
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
- Topics
- 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
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
Potential progress
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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
