Module Details

Module Code: LAW N7005X
Full Title: Regulation and Applied Law in Early Childhood (v2)
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner::
  • Geraldine O'Connor
  • Jerry Ryan
Departments: Nursing Midwifery & Early Years
Module Description: The aim of the module is to place the delivery of early learning care within the relevant legal context to facilitate compliance with the statutory regulation of this sector
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Explain the significance of the Constitutuional framework for the 'Family' and the 'Child'
MLO2 Define the statutory framework for protecting the welfare of children
MLO3 Apply the legal framework to ensure there is no threat of harm to a child
MLO4 Analyze the responsibilites of the early learning care provider and educators(s) arising from the new stautory framework for protecting the welfare of children
MLO5 Critically examine the application of mandatory vetting and reporting to the early childcare sector
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
The Constitutional framework for the 'Family' and 'Child'. Articles 42 and 42 A
Examination of the constitutional framework for the 'child' and 'family', Article 42A, statutory appplication and judicial interpretation of the provisions. Influence of international conventions including the UN Convention on the Child
The child, status, capacity and decision making
Exvaluate the coherent of the approach of the law and the legal system to the 'child', including such issues as capacity, decision making, welfare and giving significance to the 'voice of the child'. The child as a holder of rights and the recipient of care
The statutory framework for protecting the welfare of children
The Childcare Act 1991, as amended. The Child and Family Agency legislation with particular reference to Part VIIA, The role of the CFA. 'Children First' and best practice.
The legal framework for ensuring there is no threat of harm to a child
Examination of the scheme of vetting as provided for by the Natioanl Vetting Bureau (Protection of Children and Vunverable Adults ) Act 2012, mandatory reporting as a policy tool and the proposed 'Children First' legislation. Other mandatory reporting legislative provisions.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The work will require the student to critically examine a current legal issue in respect to early childcare, examples would include: introduction of statutory vetting, mandatory reporting of child abuse, efficacy of the new licencing and pre-approval model of early child care regulation, analysis of the published childcare inspection reports
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
This may take the form of a face to face class test OR alternatively students may be required to undertake an on-line class test which the students can take outside of the classs room environment. All students must undertake the same test (either face to face or on-line)
The questions will asses the candidates core knowledge of the legal issues involved but will also require a demonstration of an understanding and appreciation of the policy considerations underpinning such regulatory provisions
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full-time workload.
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Combination of F2F and Online Classes Every Week 1.50 1.5
Online (Contact) Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact workshop Once per semester 0.27 4
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.80 3.8
Independent Study Non Contact Student responsibility to organize and manage own study space and time and commitment to supplement classroom input with additional reading and interpretative reflection Every Week 7.60 7.6
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.17
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.77
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Eileen Mc Partland. (2020), The Best Interests of the Child, 3rd. [ISBN: 9781916019959].
  • HSE. (2011), Children First, 2nd. HSE, Dublin, p.108, [ISBN: 978-1-4064-2589-5].
  • HSE. (2011), Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook, 2nd. HSE, Dublin, p.200.
  • DCYA. (2016), CHILD CARE ACT 1991 (EARLY YEARS SERVICES) REGULATIONS 2016, Government Press, Dublin.
  • Government of Ireland.. (2018), First 5: A whole-of-government strategy for babies, young children and their families, Government Press, Dublin.
  • Government of Ireland. (2010), Síolta – The national quality framework for the early years, Government of Ireland, Dublin.
  • NCCA/National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. (2009), Aistear: early childhood curriculum framework, principles and themes, NCCA, Dublin.
  • Tusla, Child and Family Agency. (2018), Quality and regulatory framework: full day care service and part-time day care service, Tusla, Dublin.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jim Nestor. (2011), An Introduction to Irish Family Law, 4th. 20, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin, p.562.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources