• Discusses the emergence of the childcare profession and the legislation and policies that shaped its transformation, from pre-regulation times to the present day.
• Links child protection thinking and concepts directly to childcare practice, through the use of case studies and activities, to encourage understanding and good practice.
• Summarises current research into and guidelines for equality and diversity practice, focusing on their application in an ECCE setting.
• Defines child health and well-being and discusses them in the context of current policy, legislation, research and Síolta standards.
• Describes and applies to practice the role of the advanced early years practitioner and their professional development, using self-reflection and key interpersonal skills exercises.
• Case studies and ‘In Practice’ examples throughout illustrate the relationship between concepts and practice.

WRITTEN FOR

• QQI Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education (6M2007) and the following modules:
• 6N1945 Childhood Social, Legal & Health Studies
• 6N1944 Early Childhood Curriculum
• 6N1945 Supervision in Early Childhood Care
• 6N1946 Work Experience
• 6N1947 Work Practice