The core aim of the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care at NCI is to support students to become confident, reflective and professionally recognised Early Childhood Educators, capable of working ethically and effectively with babies, toddlers and young children from birth to six years, their families, and wider communities.
The programme is designed to prepare students for professional practice and leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care, while also supporting progression to postgraduate study and ongoing professional learning. It balances theory, practice and research, and places children’s rights, wellbeing, inclusion, and quality practice at the centre of students’ learning.
A key feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on professional practice placement. Students complete placement in every year of the programme, gaining experience across the birth-to-six age range in a variety of early childhood settings while building their knowledge, skills, confidence, and professional identity.
In the final year, students bring together their academic learning and professional practice experience through a practice-based capstone project, demonstrating the knowledge and professional confidence they have developed to support their future careers and postgraduate aspirations.