Module Details

Module Code: QUAL
Module Title: Introduction to Children's Social Policy
Title: Introduction to Children's Social Policy
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Janette Davies
Module Author:: Teresa Mulhern
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce the discipline of Social Policy to learners and its application to Early Childhood Practice. The module aims to develop the learners understanding of social policy and its influence on all aspects of children’s, families, and communities. It will provide the learner with an overview of the process of policy and legislation formation. It explores the historical development and the influence of the European Union and other international agencies on the development social policy and service provision in Ireland to protect and provide health, safety, welfare, equality, and dignity for all. It with provide the leaner with an understanding of the influence of demography, the economy, political ideology, and social values on the development of social policy and service provision.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the political, social, cultural, and historical factors which have influenced and shaped contemporary Social Policy.
LO2 Examine current policy development both nationally and Internationally within the Early Childhood Practice.
LO3 Explore the impact of Social Policy on Early Childhood Practice and provision
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to social policy
What is social policy? The aims of social policy. Key concepts in social policy: e.g., equality, rights, social justice. The policy-making and legislative process Challenge and question the values, beliefs, aims, and principles underpinning policy. Understand the impact of political ideology and the political spectrum upon policymaking. Universalism v’s Selectiveism in the targeting of service provision. The role of social policy in addressing child poverty, marginalisation and discrimination.
Policy and practice in Irish Early Childhood Practice
Historical overview of conceptualisations of childhood in Ireland. Historical development of social policy in relation to Early Childhood practice and service provision. Examination of the impact of international policy and national policy upon Irish early childhood education. The rights-based approach to the development of children’s policy. The role of Children’s Advocacy agencies and their influence in the development of policy and provision. Innovations and service provision for children identified as having specific needs. Integrated Service approaches.
Contemporary policy issues and practice in Irish Early Childhood
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Early Childhood Education and Care policy areas: e.g., Siolta (2006); Aistear (2009); Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures (2014); Tusla: Child and Family Agency; First Five (2018)
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 6.73 101
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50 18
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 7.13 107
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Hogan J. & Murphy M. (2021), Policy Analysis in Ireland, Policy Press, Bristol UK.
  • Sealy C. , Palgrave.. (2015), Social Policy Simplified, Connecting theory with People's lives, Plagrave, London.
  • Considine M. & Dukelow F.. (2017), Irish Social Policy. A Critical Introduction, 2nd. Gill and Macmillan, Dublin.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Cummingham J. & Cummingham S.. (2017), Social Policy and Social Work, 2nd. Sage, London.
  • Lister R.. (2010), Understanding Theories and Concepts in Social Policy, The Policy Press, Bristol UK.
  • McCann G.& O'hAdhmail F.. (2020), International Human Rights, Social Policy and Global Development. Critical Perspectives, Policy Press, Bristol UK.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Growing Up in Ireland. Website.
  • Children's Rights Alliance. Website.
  • Economic and Social Research Institute. Website.
  • Central Statics Office. Website.
  • Early Childhood Ireland. Website.
  • Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Website.
Discussion Note: