Early Childhood Education
Early childhood is the age at which the foundations of a child’s abilities are laid, his physical and mental health is built, his character is formed and he acquires social skills. The educational care of this age is a very responsible mission, which requires professionals with high scientific and intellectual abilities.
The BA Early Childhood Care and Education program specializes in early childhood care and education. The emerging language and mathematical abilities of the child, the function of the senses, the expression, the movement, the communication, the stages of socialization, the transition from family life to the school environment, the mental and moral development, the creativity and the possible spiritual ones are explored. or physical disorders in its development. Students are trained to use appropriate pedagogical “tools” that include play, creative arts, literature and theater, nature exploration, music and movement. At the same time, the observer and communication skills of the educator are sharpened so that he can evaluate, support the rights of children and provide counseling services to the family.
Graduates of the BA Early Childhood Care and Education program have many career options: in daycare and preschool units, as special education professionals, psychologists / educational psychologists, family therapists, school psychologists, researchers in related fields, educational policy advisors , experts in advocating for the rights of children and the family, in positions of educational counseling, educational leadership, in-house services, and even in companies specializing in products for young children, such as creative toys and educational materials.
They can also pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as child development, educational psychology, learning disabilities and the education of children with disabilities, learning outdoors, learning through play and the expressive arts, school psychology, developmental psychology, occupational therapy, etc.
The demand for holders of a degree in Preschool Care and Education / Preschool Education is high, both in Greece and internationally. Especially in Greece, according to data from the European Commission (2019) and the OECD (2021), the level of participation of 3-year-olds in pre-school education is still lower than the EU average. (30.4% and 34.2% respectively). It is estimated that in our country about 180,000 children are left out of childcare due to lack of available places. As the state promotes preschool care, the number of kindergartens and nurseries, both private and public, is expected to increase significantly. The BCA graduates hold a degree from the award-winning University of West London, which is internationally recognized and is professionally equivalent to the degrees of Greek universities, giving graduates of Early Childhood Care and Education the opportunity to work in Greek Public Education.
The professional prospects of the graduates of the department are enhanced by the services of the Career Office of BCA which connects students and graduates with the labor market.
