Module Title:Introduction to Children's Social Policy
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures, reading, documentaries, online resources, classroom activities, podcasts, e-learning, guest speakers and discussions.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to introduce the discipline of Social Policy to learners and its application to Early Childhood Practice. The module aims to develop the learners understanding of social policy and its influence on all aspects of children’s, families, and communities. It will provide the learner with an overview of the process of policy and legislation formation. It explores the historical development and the influence of the European Union and other international agencies on the development of social policy and service provision in Ireland to protect and provide health, safety, welfare, equality, and dignity for all. It with provide the learner with an understanding of the influence of demographics, the economy, political ideology, and social values on the development of social policy and service provision.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Discuss the political, social, cultural, and historical factors which have influenced and shaped contemporary social policy.
LO2 Examine current policy development both nationally and internationally within Early Childhood Practice.
LO3 Explore the impact of social policy on Early Childhood Practice and provision
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to social policy
What is social policy? The aims of social policy. Key concepts in social policy: e.g., equality, rights, social justice. The policy-making and legislative process Challenge and question the values, beliefs, aims, and principles underpinning policy. Understand the impact of political ideology and the political spectrum upon policymaking. Universalism v’s Selectiveism in the targeting of service provision. The role of social policy in addressing child poverty, marginalisation and discrimination.
Policy and practice in Irish Early Childhood Practice
Historical overview of conceptualisations of childhood in Ireland. Historical development of social policy in relation to Early Childhood practice and service provision. Examination of the impact of international policy and national policy upon Irish early childhood education. The rights-based approach to the development of children’s policy. The role of Children’s Advocacy agencies and their influence in the development of policy and provision. Innovations and service provision for children identified as having specific needs. Integrated Service approaches.
Contemporary policy issues and practice in Irish Early Childhood
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Early Childhood Education and Care policy areas: e.g., Siolta (2006); Aistear (2009); Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures (2014); Tusla: Child and Family Agency; First Five (2018)
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Multiple Choice Questions n/a 1 40.00 Week 6
Project n/a 2,3 60.00 Week 12
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Independent Learning Time 15 Weeks per Stage 6.73
Total Hours 125.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50
Independent Learning 15 Weeks per Stage 7.13
Total Hours 125.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_HWECE_B Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Practice 2 Mandatory
CW_HWECE_D Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice 2 Mandatory