These days, with more and more parents going out to work, the need for qualified childcare professionals is on the increase. This is coupled with a growing commitment in Scotland to provide high quality education and care for children and young people. A well-qualified, motivated workforce is required to deliver what children and their families deserve and expect.
The Early Education and Childcare Department offers provision from Intermediate 1 Early Education and Childcare to Honours Degree in Child and Youth Studies. The department has excellent links with public and private sector employers, working particularly closely with Perth and Kinross Council Education and Children's Services. Team activities include being a member of the Perth and Kinross Childcare Network, working as an External Verifier for SQA, and developing courses with SQA and the University of Strathclyde.
The department also has access to excellent early education and childcare placements throughout Perth and Kinross schools and nurseries, which enriches students' experiences and allows them to put their learning and academic theory into practice. The Early Education and Childcare department received an excellent report from the latest HMIe inspection, which commended Perth College UHI's learning and teaching and the staff's flexible and supportive approach.
The courses in this section have been designed to help you understand the demands and responsibilities of working with children. Through both academic study and practical work experience, these courses will help you prepare for this rewarding career.