Leadership in Early Years Education and Care South East Technological University

Overview

The Leadership in Early Years Education and Care programme from South East Technological University  will develop students’ ability to both analyse, manage and creatively respond to critical issues and changes in early childhood care policy and service implementation, all the time being cognisant of the best interests of the child.

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the underlying theories and key concepts with a focus on leadership and critical assessment skills within an Irish and International context;
• Analyse the current theories, concepts, challenges and research areas with an ability to solve complex problems through a variety of reflective and participatory work;
• Exhibit critical awareness of contemporary issues and challenges relating to the role and effect of early years education on the child, the family and society;
• Apply the theory and practice of leadership roles in supporting quality;
• Engage in scholarly debate at an academic, policy and practice based level on a range of early year’s education and leadership issues;
• Develop, maintain and build on professional relationships fostered throughout the programme with practical skills and tools to reflect and critically self-evaluate;
• Gather, assimilate, synthesise and analyse information on a variety of levels;

• Critically reflect on how leadership practice in early year’s education connects to and interacts with wider social issues in Ireland and beyond.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the programme may progress to a PhD programme of study in the discipline areas, in Ireland or abroad. Graduates of the programme may also be eligible to progress to a professional doctorate in the field of teaching and learning in both Irish and international Institutions.

This is an ideal postgraduate programme for students or current practitioners within the early childhood education sector who are interested in becoming an administrator, director or manager of early childhood education programmes. It is also suitable for those interested in advisory, mentoring and inspection roles within the sector.