ELC Level 6 Early Childhood Policy Assignment: Impact of Ireland’s Free Preschool Scheme on Child Development

Performance Criteria

Choose one area of social policy, that has positively affected children’s early development and education in Ireland. Use primary research and secondary research to answer the below questions.

Detailed background and consultation (10 marks)

• Discuss your chosen social policy giving a reason for your choice (2 marks)
• Describe the impact this social policy has on the life of the child and their family (3 marks)
• Provide written evidence of consultation with stake holders (primary research in the form of an interview, questionnaire, or a survey) (5 marks)

Impact on social structures (20 marks)

• Describe the types of family structures evident in today’s society (2 marks)
• Summarise the current legislations, policies, and strategies relevant to the social policy area (3 Marks)
• Describe how social processes including culture and identity impact the quality of a child’s learning and development (5 marks)
• Explain the factors that may impact social and health inequalities within families (5 marks)
• Identify any barriers to inclusion and its impacts on the rights of the child this policy presents in its current form (5 marks)

Analysis of the findings (20 marks)

• Discuss how current legislation and policy supports children and their families (5 marks)
• Discuss the importance and value of collaborative practice to enhance the child’s

Analysis of the findings (20 marks)

• Discuss how current legislation and policy supports children and their families (5 marks)
• Discuss the importance and value of collaborative practice to enhance the child’s early learning care (6 marks)
• Evaluate the role of the “first 5” strategies in supporting your chosen area of social policy (5 marks)
• Explain how these findings can be implemented to assist educators in providing quality supports to the child and their family in the ELC setting (6 marks)

Recommendations and conclusion (10 marks)

Based on your research, describe (min 3) recommendations on possible improvements to this area of social policy, supported by research (3 marks)
Provide an appropriate contribution with evidence of reflection (5 marks)
Demonstrate the use of accurate referencing throughout and provide appropriate reference earlier (2 marks).