7 replies to this topic

[FairyHelen]

Hi everyone!

i'm new to the forums but was advised to come here because i have so many questions!!

I am considering applying for the EYPS to start in September 2011, and although what I have read about the course description and what i know of the EYF, can anyone please give me a little more detail regarding what modules you do in the course, how you're assessed, how often are you on placement etc.
also, can anyone tell me what happens in an ordinary day (as ordinary a day can be working within early years ) such as planning activities, observations etc. again, i've read many job descriptions, but as we all know, when working within the early years or childcare setting, the job description is endless! someone told me it was similar to being an early years teacher but i wasn't sure as they are completly different roles. also, i don't think i want to be a teacher because i like the dfact the chuildren have more freedom in their exploring and creative learning within the environment.
I really think the EYPS is the way i want to go, just want that little bit more detail.

thank you!

[hali]

hello and welcome to the forum. You would need to decide/or ask which pathway you would be on first. What qualifications do you have level 3, degree? what age experiences have you got in the age range of 0-5? all these will questions will determine which pathway you will go onto. As for written work yu have to write some written tasks on your personal practise and leadership and support in your validation (last 3 months of the course),

Tell us some more about you and we should be able to help more.

[Helen]

Where are you thinking of doing the course? If any of us have experience of that provider we could give you some more information there, too!

[FairyHelen]

Hello all, thanks for your replies!

I have experience in the nursery classes of primary schools and I currently work in an early years family assessment centre, so i work with children from 0-5 years and their parents.
I already have a BA Hons degree in Creative Writing and Theatre in Education but as it is not specifically early years related, i have applied for the full time year long pathway to ensure all my information and knowledge is relevant and up to date. I’ve applied for Kingston University and i have an interview in March (yay!)

thanks for your help so far :)

[Helen]

Well it sounds like you're already getting lots of experiences working with young children and their families This is obviously a hugely important part of an EYP's role, but your future work would include a focus on leadership; this is the main difference between a teacher and an EYP. An EYP is expected to demonstrate effective practice but is also required to lead practice. This means evaluating provision, and using his/her knowledge and understanding of child development and current best practice to work with colleagues to improve the provision for the children. You'd need to be able to build a supportive team, and develop not only your own professional needs but those of others you work with.

I have little knowledge of the full-time pathway other than one candidate I knew spent 90 days in placement during the year. This will of course vary according to providers.

You've hinted at a desire to support children through creative expression and this would certainly be possible and desirable as an EYP. Child-initiated play is at the forefront of early years practice currently and this would sit perfectly with your own views of children having the freedom to define their learning experiences.

Have you come across the handbook on the CWDC website which gives you an outline of what you might be letting yourself in for?

In terms of preparing yourself, try to volunteer at/visit a variety of early years settings, eg small packaway pre-schools, large daycare centres, children's centres, reception classes, Steiner/Montessor settings, to get as much experince of the different types of provision there are. Try also to spend time in babyrooms, toddler rooms, and facilities for children up to 5 .

You may also want to get in touch with your local EYPS network and ask if you could visit an EYP in their setting to see what their role involves.

[FairyHelen]

Thak you so much for such a detailed response!

it's definitley halped me make up my mind and i think i'm going to do it! working with babies and young children has always been a passion of mine, but was never drawn to teaching as i felt it was too restricting, but i like the learning through play and exploration aspect of EYF and knowing that as an EYP i would be able to positively support children's development is something I would feel very proud to do.

thanks for your help!

[hali]

excellent - good luck

[Helen]

You're very welcome Let us know how you get on.