Early Childhood Law

This module is designed to introduce students to the legal framework that governs early childhood. Students will be familiarised with Irish legislation pertaining to the rights of the child. The module will track the historical development of legislation that impacts upon the welfare of children and families. It will also consider international human rights instruments which must frame the Irish approach. 

Students will consider how the legislative requirements are enacted in practice and the necessary policies and procedures which are a regulatory requirement to support quality early years provision for children aged 0-6 years. The legal and organisational requirements which are required to support the health, safety and wellbeing of children and educators will be explored, discussed and reflected on in this module.

How regulation and legislation supports high quality provision to support high levels of wellbeing (Sustainable Development Goal 3) and quality inclusive education (Sustainable Development Goal 4) will underpin the links between theory in relation to the law and legislative requirements and supporting implementation of the law in practice. 

1. Discuss the sources of law and the impact that each of these sources of law have on the area of early childhood;

2. Demonstrate a knowledge of the national legal framework in relation to children;

3. Demonstrate a nascent understanding of international Human Rights instruments which inform and frame the Irish Legal Framework;

4. Assess Ireland's response to our obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;

5. Articulate current challenges, and possible future directions, for the legal framework which governs early childhood.