ISBN 978-1-8384134-4-6

Written as an essential text containing specialist knowledge on all necessary professional practice procedures to assist in becoming an Early Learning and Care (ELC) professional practitioner.

*Presents a strong focus throughout on professional development for ELC practitioners and on developing professionalism within the ELC sector

*Incorporates the principles and standards of the frameworks Síolta and Aistear, the 2016 Early Years Services Regulations and the Tusla Early Years Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF) throughout the text

*Presents key competencies for personal and professional development, including skills required for work experience

*Illustrates the importance of becoming a reflective practitioner using models of reflective practice to develop knowledge, understanding and ability as an ELC professional

*Contains exercises, activities, scenarios, discussion topics and review questions throughout.

THE AUTHORS

Josephine Donohoe CQSW, Dip ASS has taught on the Early Years programmes at Levels 5 and 6 in Sallynoggin College of Further Education. She is the co-author of Education and Care in the Early Years (Gill, 2011) and Youth and Youth Work in Ireland (Gill, 2013). Josephine currently works as an External Authenticator for various QQI Level 5 and 6 courses.

Eileen McDermott BA Hons and European Master’s in Early Childhood Care and Education co-ordinated and taught QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education and Social Studies programmes in Sallynoggin College of Further Education. Eileen currently works as an External Authenticator for QQI Level 5 and 6 courses.

Caroline Regan BA Hons in Early Childhood Care and Education co-ordinated and taught QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education programmes in Sallynoggin College of Further Education. Caroline is co-author of Youth and Youth Work in Ireland (Gill, 2013) and has also co-written modules for QQI awards.