On May 9th, 2025, NCI’s Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning proudly welcomed staff, students, and friends and family of this year’s cohort of final year BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care students to attend a showcase of degree capstone research posters in NCI Spencer Dock.
The event was launched by Professor Breda McTaggart, and she comments that "The Capstone Topics are interesting and relevant, covering a wide range of areas such as pedagogy of mindfulness, access, inclusion, and multiculturalism, staff wellbeing and communication, sensory exploration, language and literacy, and supporting transitions. It was a great opportunity for staff and students to connect with one another while learning about the impressive range of subjects that this year’s final year students covered."
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care is a four-year programme, designed for people who are interested in pursuing opportunities or upskilling in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. This capstone showcase was for students from the full-time evening delivery programme, many of whom worked at their day job while also attending online classes two evenings a week and some Saturdays on campus. NCI also delivers a full-time, on-campus, day-delivery honours degree in ECEC, accessible via CAO application.
The degree programme incorporates core topics including holistic child learning and development, essential legislation and regulatory practices, early learning in a digital world, pedagogical practice in ECEC, working with parents and families, and in multiprofessional contexts. It also includes aspects related to quality assurance. Students are encouraged to reflect, inquire, and investigate a range of theoretical and practical pedagogical approaches to learning and development in ECEC. Students now also have the opportunity for practicum in the Early Learning Initiative’s recently launched PlayLab and Sanctuary.
Visit the course page to learn more.
“It is great to gather to view and celebrate the hard work of these final year students. We celebrate the authentic work of the 7th batch of our evening mature practicing students, and this year includes the very first cohort of the day delivery. The deep dedication and care that went into these projects is remarkable, and their learning is evident in their reflections. We wish these students the very best as they move forward in their careers making a positive difference in the lives of our youngest.” ~ Dr Meera Oke, Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education and Care
This year’s cohort have shared some lovely reflections about what they have learned from their time studying at NCI.
One student stated, “I have learned not to shy away from research, even if I am not an “expert” because reflective practitioners can create change in real ways.”
One student reflected on the approach to learning, stating, “This approach (practice-based action research) has significantly enriched my professional practice in Early Childhood Education and Care. Engaging in action research allowed me to investigate and to improve my own setting practice.”
Another student shared, “I see this Capstone as a starting point rather than a conclusion – my research journey is far from over, and the knowledge I’ve gained here will shape my development in the field moving forward.”
Speaking on this year’s cohort of dedicated students, Sara Ponce Adjunct Assistant Professor at NCI stated, “Watching the BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care Degree students grow into capable ECEC researchers and professionals during their final year at NCI has been a true privilege. The dedication and rigour they brought to their research reflected the deep passion they hold for the field. Each of them has the potential to shape and uplift the ECEC sector. Their voices and actions matter, I have no doubts the future of ECEC will be brighter because of them. Congratulations to the students on their success!”
Interested in studying at NCI?
To learn more about studying Early Childhood Education and Care at National College of Ireland (daytime and on campus), join us tomorrow at our Spring Open Day for Leaving Certificate students where you will be able to chat with our lecturers and talk to students about their course experiences.
When: Saturday, 10th May 2025
Time: 10:00am to 1pm
Where: NCI Spencer Dock building (tours to visit our Mayor Square building will be provided on the day).
What can I expect from NCI's CAO Open Day?
During the event, you will have the opportunity to tour the NCI campus and get a sense of college life. You can also attend sample classes to get a taste of our CAO courses in the following areas:
- Accounting & Finance
- Business
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Computing
- Data Science
- Early Childhood Education
- Psychology
There is still time to register now on our events page.
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