Previous Students' Profiles
Jill
I started studying in DIT in 2005 and completed my Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Early Childhood Education over three years. In First Year my work experience placement was based in a private childcare setting working with pre-school children. I really enjoyed this placement but felt I would love something with a greater challenge. Third year was definitely a challenge for me in my placement in Barnardos Child and Family Centre. I learnt a lot here, as it was hands on, working with both the children and their families. I really enjoyed this placement. In second year I was on placement, in the Children’s University Hospital Temple Street where I worked alongside Hospital Play Specialists providing play for sick children and young people in the playroom and on the wards. I absolutely loved this placement and I was lucky enough to get a job here in 2008.
In 2008, I was based in the main playroom working with children and young people from 3 months to 18 years of age providing normal play, diversionary play, preparation play and post procedural play. I am hoping to complete my Professional Diploma in specialised play for sick children and young people in December which I have been studying in
Sandra
I completed the BA in Early Childhood Care and Education in 2004. I started my career as a room leader in a day care centre for children learning English as a second language. On average, each year, the setting catered for children from 13 different nationalities speaking up to 14 different languages. As both parents and children were becoming bilingual, my job involved learning about other languages, cultures and traditions whilst developing appropriate education programmes. Less than a year later I began acting up as manager and I supervised four members of staff and a number of students from DIT. Soon this position became permanent.
After a number of years I moved on to work as a Childcare supervisor for a Homeless charity. I was in charge of developing early education and after-school services for children from birth to sixteen years living on a transitional homeless project. Each day brought new challenges, surprises and a lot of learning!
Most recently I have been employed as a Síolta Coordinator, a role that involves supporting early years services (including sessional, full and part-time day care and infant classes) by providing mentoring, training and advice. I’m supervised by the Early Years Education Policy Unit in the Department of Education and Science. As this is a new role I have to adapt, think on my feet and be prepared to change my approach at a moment’s notice; something that I am well able to do after studying in DIT. The BA in Early Childhood Education gave me a solid base in the theoretical and practical aspects of early education.
Since completing the BA in 2004 I have gone on to carry out further studies including the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education, DIT; Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, Canterbury Christ Church University and most recently I have completed an MA in Child Family and Community Studies, DIT.
My time in DIT was really enjoyable; I liked it so much that I keep returning! The lecturers are always warm, supportive and professional; offering advice, guidance and support. I know I can always turn to them if I’m in need and would definitely advise anyone interested in working with children and families to apply for this degree.
Further Information
The Secretary, Department of Social Sciences
DIT Mountjoy Square
DUBLIN 1
Telephone: 353-1-4024164
Fax: 353-1-4024263
Last date modified: 03 November 2009 - DISCLAIMER / PRIVACY STATEMENT / Dublin web design
