Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, will deliver a keynote address on 2 November at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) - alongside Prof. Emer Ring, Dean of Early Childhood and Primary Education at MIC - as part of an event to recognise two decades of MIC's BA in Early Childhood Care and Education, which focuses on the care and education of children aged from birth to six years. Graduates of the programme are invited to attend this special event.
As well as the keynote speakers, there will an opportunity to hear from, and meet, some of the BA ECCE graduates and learn about their varied and exciting work in the early childhood profession. There will also be an art exhibition featuring the work of young children from local early childhood settings; an exhibition of materials from the renowned Montessori Method of Education and a display of creative pedagogical resources developed by past and present students.
Programme Coordinator of the BA in Early Childhood Care and Education, Dr Mary Moloney, said that since its foundation in 2003, “the early childhood policy and practice landscape in Ireland has changed significantly” but that MIC “envisioned a graduate-led early childhood profession” even then.
“Not only are educators mandated to hold a minimum qualification at level 5 to work with our youngest citizens, the Government has set a national target to achieve a 50% graduate-led early childhood profession by 2028. MIC is well placed to support the attainment of this national target. It is incredibly proud of its now long tradition and reputation for training highly qualified early childhood educators who are well versed in, and skilled in implementing the national practice frameworks: Aistear and Síolta.”
She went on to say: “The BA in ECCE not only signified recognition of the importance of early childhood as the foundation of childrens’ educational journey, but also, the need for knowledgeable, skilled, reflective qualified educators. Our graduates work in a variety of settings and contexts, including creches, pre-schools, family resource centers, mentoring with Better Start, the National Early Years Quality Development Initiative, and early childhood inspection with the Department of Education and/or Tusla.”
The event will take place at T117 in the TARA Building at MIC Limerick. If graduates of the BA ECCE would like to attend or for more information about the upcoming event, please contact: Mary.Moloney@mic.ul.ie
Click here for more information about the BA in Early Childhood Care and Education.
