LAW06090 2022 Early Childhood Law

International and domestic legal frameworks play a significant role in shaping the life circumstances of children. Accordingly, there is a formidable body of minimum statutory requirements that the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) must comply with when providing childcare services encompassing the sector-specific laws in addition to the laws of more general application.  This module attempts to disentangle the law relating to the disparate functions performed by the ECE practitioner allowing for focused comprehension of the legal framework for practice.  As a necessary starting point, the module gives context to the substantive law by outlining the sources of law in which these particular legal rules are located as both international and domestic law influence early childhood care and education from birth to six years.  Study is then primarily functional in that it concentrates on the diverse range of law applicable to the daily running of an early years setting. Students will have the opportunity to explore the regulatory requirements by examining the legal duties and responsibilities of practitioners in compliance with the sector- specific regulations. Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.  Accountability to the pre-school child will be a core aspect of this module through an examination of health and safety law and principles of negligence.  The rights based perspective of this module is inspired by the continual evolution of the early years sector arising from international imperative influences and therefore a study of relevant Conventions applicable to children will broaden learners knowledge of human rights standards underpinning practice in the sector.  A concise introduction to education law is set against constitutional principles and values. The final section of the module will introduce the student to family law, exploring its relevance to the sector and in particular putting emphasis on the adult-child legal relationship. 

At the close of this module, the student will have developed an understanding of what it means to work in a competent way in an early years setting in accordance with certain key aspects of the current legal framework.    

A guide to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) setting with a particular focus on social-, legal- and health-related issues within an Irish context. Discusses the emergence of the childcare profession and the legislation and policies that shaped its transformation, from pre-regulation times to the present day. Links child protection thinking and concepts directly to childcare practice, through the use of case studies and activities, to encourage understanding and good practice. Summarises current research into and guidelines for equality and diversity practice, focusing on their application in an ECCE setting. Defines child health and well-being and discusses them in the context of current policy, legislation, research and Siolta standards. Describes and applies to practice the role of the advanced early years practitioner and their professional development, using self-reflection and key interpersonal skills exercises. Case studies and 'In Practice' examples throughout illustrate the relationship between concepts and practice. WRITTEN FOR QQI Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education (6M2007) and the following modules: 6N1945 Childhood Social, Legal & Health Studies 6N1944 Early Childhood Curriculum 6N1945 Supervision in Early Childhood Care 6N1946 Work Experience 6N1947 Work Practice

Introduction to health, safety and welfare law in Ireland. Including guidelines on all recent legislation and safety documents.

'Child Law in Ireland' provides a comprehensive and accessible analysis of the Irish child law system. It incorporates examination of Ireland's international obligations in this area arising under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as well as examination of the Irish Constitution and the domestic legislative framework. The book addresses a wide range of child law topics including children's rights; parentage; donor-assisted human reproduction and surrogacy; guardianship, custody and access; child protection; representation and participation; and education. Child Law in Ireland examines current Irish law and addresses contemporary issues in a range of areas. This includes discussion of timely legal developments such as the Assisted Reproduction Bill 2017; the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017; the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016; the Children First Act 2015; and the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016, among others.

A concise introduction to all key aspects of the Irish legal system. New to this edition: The new EU Reform Treaty New legislation on defamation, civil partnerships and criminal law Developments in the area of human rights Additional contemporary case studies and tasks Introduces key principles of sources of Irish law, court structures and aspects of ADR. Examines areas of substantive law including tort, contract, criminal, consumer, European Union and human rights law. Presents a glossary of legal terms and an overview of methods of research and study techniques Clear learning outcomes, short and extended research tasks and self-test questions with suggested answers and key points promote independent learning skills. Provides a foundation for further specialised legal studies. Suitable For: FETAC students taking introductory law modules. A revision text for all academic and professional courses with an Irish legal system module. A concise introduction to all key aspects of the Irish legal system. New to this edition: The new EU Treaty of Lisbon New legislation on defamation, civil partnerships and criminal law Developments in the area of human rights Additional contemporary case studies and tasks. Examines key principles of the nature and sources of Irish law, including court structures, tort, contract, criminal, consumer, European Union and human rights law. Provides guidelines to resource materials, including the internet, and includes activities and tasks that encourage and promote their use. Short and extended self-test questions with suggested answers and key points promote independent learning. Provides a foundation for further specialised legal studies.

Kenneally, A., Tully, J., 2013 The Irish Legal System Clarus Press

Byrne, R., McCutcheon, P., Bruton, C., Coffey, G., (2014). Byrne and Mccutcheon on the Irish Legal System. Bloomsbury Professional.

Nestor, J., (2011). An Introduction to Irish Family Law. Gill Education.

Ursula Kilkelly 2008 Children's Rights in Ireland Bloomsbury Professional.

Shannon, G., (2020) Child and Family Law Thomson Round Hall.

Childlinks  Barnardos  

European Early Childhood Education Research Journal   Routledge

The International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education

The Law Gazette

Irish Journal of Family Law 

The Bar Review  

www.tusla.ie

www.earlychildhoodireland.ie

www.irshstatutebook.ie

www.oireachtas.ie

www.courts.ie

www.ihrec.ie

www.

wwwworkplacerelations.ie 

www.hsa.ie

www.attorneygeneral.ie

www.sligochildcare.ie

www.leitrimchildcare.ie

www.roscommonchildcare.ie

www.cavanccc.ie

www.gov.ie

www.childrensrights.ie

www.unicef.ie

www.barnardos.ie

Bunreacht na hEireann. Government Publications Office 

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Geneva UN

Child Care Act 1992 Part 7 as amended by Child and Family Agency Act, 2013  

Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 

Dublin City Childcare Committee, To Compliance and Beyond - A Guide for Early Years Services, Dept of Children and Youth Affairs 

Pobal, Compliance Guide for Service Providers (Nov 2019)  Dept of Children and Youth Affairs 

RTE Investigates - Creches, Behind Closed Doors July 2019.