Course Code: SM1HE105 UCAS Code: L520 Early Childhood Studies - Foundation Degree* Duration2 Years Day/s of weekMonday Time09:15 - 17:30 Next course dates Start dateLocationDuration / Fees 11 Sep 2023 University Centre 2 Years / £9,000 per year Apply now Overview Is this course for me? What will I learn? How will I be assessed? Key information Where could this course take me? Course SummaryThe Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies is aimed at those individuals that are already working in early years settings on either a paid or voluntary basis. The programme will develop your knowledge of the theoretical principles and contemporary issues that underpin early years practice. It provides you with the opportunity to develop confidence and an understanding of the wider social, political and economic issues related to the care and development of young children. It will also develop the skills and attributes needed to further your career prospects and development in such roles as early years practitioner, room leader, SENCO, early years community connector or family hub support worker, ultimately leading to a supervisory or management role. The programme of study has a mandatory requirement of employment or placement to ensure that you have the opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned in the classroom environment to practice. Blackpool and the Fylde College remains committed to providing a highly responsive curriculum that is employment and future-focused and will enable you to develop the essential knowledge and skills that will prepare you for future success in work and life. * Course subject to revalidation. For more information, visit our dedicated page. Entry Requirements A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline: Certificate of Higher Education Early Childhood Studies PPP from Extended Diploma or MP from Diploma in Early Years Pass from Early Years Educator Level 3 English Language grade C/4 or Functional Skills Level 2. If not achieved you must work towards and achieve this in your first year of study Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component Additional Requirements: All applicants must provide a letter of support from their employer confirming proposed work experience 12 months hands on experience in the workplace with service users (does not include administration) You must hold a current DBS A professional discussion may be required prior to offer if you do not meet the exact entry criteria. There is a mandatory requirement of a minimum of 6 hours a week of paid or voluntary work in a childcare setting until the end of the foundation stage curriculum. Proof of this will be required before commencing the programme. Qualification ObtainedFdA Early Childhood Studies Industry Placement and Field TripsThis is covered in the mandatory voluntary or employed hours in the sector as indicated in the Entry Requirements Learning and Teaching Methods Whilst lectures, seminars and practical workshops feature strongly in the teaching and learning strategy, we will be making considerable use of alternative methods of delivery and study, particularly online options such as tutor and self-assessment revision tests and formative exercises, Power-Point and other software-based lecture material, learning portals and hyper-linked resource-materials and a work based learning project. You may expect therefore to participate in a wide variety of learning activities including live presentations and discussion alongside more traditional modes of delivery. Additional support is available to all students in the form of specific one-to-one support sessions built in periodically to each module. A typical workload for this programme will require attendance at University for 1 day per week where you will participate in 2 taught sessions a day and both group and independent progress tutorials. Further independent study of approximately 10 hours per module a week is advisable; this includes further reading, planning and writing time. Our partners for success team can offer academic support and careers guidance. Expert Tutors You will be taught by a range of expert tutors who have a wealth of experience and a wide range of qualifications that relate to the Early Childhood sector. What will I learn? Modules at level 4 Module TitleCodeCreditsOptional? Children and Childhoods SM4MD121 20 No The Early Years Outdoor Environment SM4MD122 20 No Reflective Practice Early Years Sector SM4MD123 20 No Safeguarding Early Years SM4MD124 20 No Inclusive Practice SM4MD125 20 No Introduction to Academic Study Shac SM4MD152 20 No Modules at level 5 Module TitleCodeCreditsOptional? Communication and Partnerships SM5MD173 20 No Critical Issues Early Child Development SM5MD174 20 No Professional Development SM5MD177 20 No Research in Early Childhood SM5MD209 20 No Social Policy SM5MD210 20 No Work Based Learning SM5MD211 20 No How will I be assessed? Assessment MethodLevel 4Level 5Level 6 Coursework 80% 85% 0% Exam 0% 0% 0% Practical 20% 15% 0% Other Costs and Equipment NeededThere are no additional costs associated with the programme although a laptop is recommended to support your studies. You may be required to pay for a DBS where you secure a voluntary or paid employment. All core texts are available in the LRC along with IT support. Tuition Fees Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course. Regulation and Accreditation Accrediting Institution: N/A Awarding Body: Lancaster University Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS) Terms and Conditions Read our full terms and conditions for more information. Learning Methods Learning MethodLevel 4Level 5Level 6 Scheduled 240 224 0 Independent 960 946 0 Placement 0 30 0 Total 1200 1200 0 Programme Specification Programme Spec ECS-2017.pdf Adobe PDF, 327.47 KB Career Options and Progression If you successfully complete the foundation degree, you have the option to progress onto our Early Childhood Studies - BA Hons Topup. Alternatively, you can progress directly into employment with several career pathways available, many in supervisory or senior roles. These include: Senior Early Years Practitioner Room Leader Deputy Nursery Manager Children's Centre Lead Practitioner Health Visitor Support Assistant Teaching Assistant (Up to Key Stage 2) Foundation Stage Teaching Assistant Childminder Council Development Worker