Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care
Undergraduate Certificate
Early Childhood Education and Care
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Course Description
In recent years, Early Childhood Education (ECE) has gained increasing recognition in Malta as a vital foundation for lifelong learning. There is now a strong understanding that professionals working in this field must possess the right combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and personal qualities to effectively support young children’s learning and development.
This course has been developed both for individuals who are beginning their journey in ECE and care and for experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their practice while pursuing an accredited qualification in childcare education. It equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of how to deliver and promote high-quality early years education within childcare settings in Malta.
By doing so, the programme enables participants to become competent and confident educators capable of supporting young children’s growth and development.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
- A qualification at MQF level 4 and SEC/Ordinary Level passes in Mathematics, English, and Maltese.
- In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the RPL process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning, related to the area of study of this programme, is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
IDEA College’s RPL policy can be accessed through this link
Target Audience
This programme has the following target groups:
- Individuals who are approaching the field of Early Childhood Education.
- Individuals looking to work in the capacity of childcare educators.
Career Paths
This programme aims to equip the target audience with the knowledge, skills and competences listed.
The possible posts that this course prepares for: Childcare educator.
Modules
You are required to complete all 5 compulsory modules (30 ECTS)
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Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Course Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
For Knowledge:
The learner will be able to:
- Analyse the roots and development of ECE and Care in Malta (Module 1)
- Manage key milestones in child development (Module 2)
- Formulate an understanding of how to allow space for children’s voices within ECE and Care settings (Module 3)
- Enable an understanding of the main elements of collaborative practices in ECE and Care (Module 4)
- Become a childcare practitioner who is aware of creative processes (Module 5)
For Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Apply the canonical theories of ECE and Care (Module 1).
- Promote healthy and holistic child development in ECE and Care (Module 2)
- Promote and extend young children’s rights to participate in various settings (Module 3)
- Communicate more effectively with peers and stakeholders (e.g., children, parents, family members, managers, teachers, etc.) within the ECE and Care setting (Module 4)
- Be an active promoter of and nurture creative awareness and expression in ECE and Care settings and evaluate ways how this can be achieved (Module 5)
For Knowledge:
The learner will be able to:
- Gain an overall perspective of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Care on an international, European, and local level (Module 1)
- Discuss and consolidate knowledge with regards to the various areas of development (physical, cognitive, emotional, linguistic, social) of young children (Module 2)
- Critically discuss the importance of concepts such as voice, participation, and agency in childhood (Module 3)
- Assess the role of the main stakeholders in ECE and Care and explore ways how to collaborate with such stakeholders (Module 4)
- Assess how different elements (such as play, physical education, etc.) can contribute to creative expression in ECE and Care (Module 5).
