Practice Development 1 - Quality and Practice

This module is designed to assist the learner to blend college and work-based learning to develop practice.

ATU will provide the learner an intensive six pre practice preparation programme.   This preparation will include both practical and theoretical inputs to enable the learner to enter practice development adequately prepared and be aware of the role of ‘Intermediate Practitioner’. During the six weeks pre placement programme, learners will apply for garda / police vetting, undertake Tusla Children First mandated person training, be supported to develop their practice placement folder and use the various soft wear packages.  The purpose of the learning journal, models of critical reflection and confidentiality and anonymity in keeping a practice development journal and set task completion will be detailed. Students are required to have 100% attendance at lectures to ensure that they have the required knowledge, understanding of theory and how this links to practice. This is to ensure that students are safe and competent practitioners while on practice placement.  

 Practice placement will be organised for the learner by the practice placement coordinator.  A full pedagogical programme is prepared and facilitated to support students practice placement and the importance of quality ECEC provision as outlined in the two national practice frameworks Aistear ( NCCA 2009) and Siolta ( CECDE 2006). Learners are prepared to be reflective practitioners and to use reflective practice in their professional experiences in the ECEC setting.

The practice placement booklet and contracts are discussed, areas of ethical and professional significance are debated and discussed with learners prior to placement.  Students on supervised placement have an identified placement supervisor/ mentor. The approach to supervision is three-way between the student, the ECEC mentor/ supervisor and ATU.  Learners are prepared durning the six-week pre paractice sessions and throughout the academic year to complete professional work experience in an ECEC setting.  100% attendance at lecturers throughout the year is required across all modules to ensure students have the required knowledge and understanding of theory to undertake supervised practice placement.

1. Through critical reflection have a heightened sense of the 'self'.

2. Evaluate an intervention drawing upon a range of theorists.

3. Evidence an ability to establish and maintain relationsips within the ECEC setting.

4. Provide evidence of learning and development to support future employment in the sector

5. Reflect and critically evaluate learning linking theory  to practice