Childhood Practice

Snapshot

Overview

The programme is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills and values of childhood professionals. It is centrally concerned with practice. The distance learning units focus on child-centred principles and using observations, knowledge and understanding of the child to inform/justify practice. Providing care and education is done in conjunction with parents/carers and other professionals.

The aim is to improve leadership skills and to show how informed professional action can ensure better outcomes for children. The content covers the Standard for Childhood Practice (2007) specified by the Scottish Government, Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). The Childhood Practice award is required from 2011 for registration as a manager in day care services for children in Scotland.

The programme is part time and delivered flexibly using a blended learning approach including interactive online distance learning. There are optional workshops and support from a Personal Tutor and Workplace Mentor or peer.

The programme is worth up to 360 credits in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). The programme has flexible entry and exit points allowing you to enter at a level appropriate to your level of education and experience. You are encouraged to seek credit for prior formal learning and for experience.

The programme enables participants to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes to become innovative, reflective and enquiring professionals, therefore it is an appropriate programme of study matched to the needs of childhood professionals nationally and internationally.

Aims of the Programme

This programme aims to:

• enhance the professional development of childhood professionals supporting a quality service for children and families
• meet the demand for the continued development of skilled and reflective childcare workers
• promote professional development through the interrelationship of :
• professional values and personal commitment;
• professional knowledge and understanding;
• professional skills and abilities;

leading to appropriate professional action.

Programme Content

The content of the BA in Childhood Practice is underpinned by The Standard for Childhood Practice from the SSSC.

The modules encourage participants to apply and reflect upon their learning in relation to theory and their own practice within the workplace setting. By engaging actively with the module content participants are encouraged to challenge their values and assumptions that inform their professional practice and to make a difference to the quality of the service offered. Click on a module title for more information.

SCQF7

All modules at SCQF level 7 are compulsory, as follows:

• My Professional Development
• Perspectives on Childhood
• Observing How Children Learn
• Personal, Social and Emotional Wellbeing of the Young Child
• Creating the Child's Learning Environment
• Professional Project (Evaluation of Self and Professional Learning)

SCQF8

At SCQF level 8, there are four required modules, and a choice of two optional modules:

Required modules:

• Reflective Action Planning
• Children and Society
• Developing Learning Opportunities and Experiences
• Professional Project

Optional modules, two from:

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Challenging Behaviour (supporting families and settings)
• Creativity and Self Expression

SCQF9

At SCQF level 9, there are three required modules, and a choice of an optional module:

Required modules:

• Leading Inquiry
• Developing Learning Opportunities and Experiences (for those who entered directly into level 9 only)
• Leading and Managing Quality Childhood Practice
• Professional Project

Optional modules, one from:

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Challenging Behaviour (supporting families and settings)

Teaching and Learning

Students follow a modular online programme with cohorts staring in September and March. Support is provided via online professional development, telephone tutorials and email. Module workshops will be provided where student numbers make this viable.

Methods of Assessment

The programme utilises a range of assessment methods, including reflections and evidence of workbased learning and practice in a Professional Journal, tracking of progress through the modules and levels using a Record of Development, written assignments and research projects.

Entry Requirements

Participants must have 2/3 years consistent work experience and a relevant professional qualification, for example:

• SVQ3 in Early Years, or SVQ3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development or NNEB allows entry to SCQF Level 7
• HNC in Childcare and Education, or HNC Early Education and Childcare (with additional 24 credits at SCQF level 7) allows entry to SCQF Level 8
• HND in Childhood Practice allows entry to SCQF Level 9.

Accreditation for Prior Learning is available up to a maximum credit normally of 180 points.

You also need access to children aged 0 -16 years on a regular basis.

Contact

Admissions and Events Administrator School of Education, Social Work and Community Education University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 381122 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 381122 (from outside the UK) Email: eswce-apply@dundee.ac.uk