Study Guide

Descriptions

The separate study module in early childhood education and social pedagogy is based on the curriculum of the Bachelor of Social Services degree program and is 60 credits in scope. The studies provide eligibility to work as a Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education, provided, however, that the full scope of the Bachelor of Social Services degree 210 ECTS is completed.

The Act on Early Childhood Education and Care 13.7.2018/540 27 determines the qualification of a Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education as follows: The qualification requirement for the tasks of a Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education is at least a university of applied sciences degree in social and health care, which includes studies of at least 60 credits focused on early childhood education and social pedagogy, which can be regulated in more detail by a government decree, or a Bachelor of Social Services degree, which has been supplemented by the mentioned studies.

The study module consists of studies related to early childhood education and social pedagogy. During the studies, the student goes deeper into the following themes: the growth and development of a child in early childhood education, the values and views behind early childhood education work, strengthening the well-being and participation of the child and the family, pedagogy of early childhood education, pedagogical support and inclusion, and learning and guidance of a child in early childhood education. In addition, the studies include a pedagogical internship and a development task carried out as a thesis.

Professional development

After completing this separate study module, the Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education (UAS) is able to support the comprehensive growth, development and learning of the child and promote the well-being of the child and families. The Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education knows the service system and is able to work in multidisciplinary networks. The Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education is able to critically examine society from the perspectives of a child's education and well-being. In addition, the studies produce expertise in planning, implementing, evaluating and developing pedagogical activities. The Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education is able to both guide the work of small groups in early childhood education in a goal-oriented manner and promote the realization of the sense of belonging to a community.

Bachelors of Social Services (UAS) work as experts in early childhood education and social pedagogy and can be employed by wellbeing services counties, private companies or third sector organizations. After completing the studies, the student will be able to work in the positions of Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education, renew early childhood education services and develop pedagogical, communal and participatory forms of activities and support, as well as services for the needs of children and families, taking into account social changes. They know the operating environments of the service system and early childhood education that promote well-being and safety, and are able to anticipate future social changes and want to be involved in producing and developing services.

The studies are at the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level 6.

Implementation

Courses in the study module are implemented as online studies; the studies begin on 13 December 2023 and continue until December 2024. The education is carried out in a working life-oriented manner and digital solutions are used. The assignments, internship and development work carried out as a thesis are all linked to working life. The course Early Childhood Education Pedagogy must be completed before starting the internship.

It is possible to complete the study module while working. Studying takes place online with the help of various digital learning environments. The student's skills and competence are assessed on the basis of the competence objectives of different courses which are based on the assessment criteria of the university of applied sciences. Assessment methods include self-assessment, peer review, working life assessment, and individual and group-specific assessment.

The student’s learning is supported by group and individual guidance online.