The Chief Executive of Barnardos, Fergus Finlay, delivered a masterclass in leadership to the new participants in the first Masters of Arts in Leadership in Early Childhood Care and Education.
The Head of the Children’s Charity was the special guest at the Induction of students to this new course, which has been developed by IT Sligo.
It is the only one of its kind on the island of Ireland and aims to provide effective leadership in early years staff management and support, legislative compliance, governance, advocacy and policy developments.
“The Early Childhood Care sector desperately needs strong leadership,” explained Fergus. “IT Sligo can play a significant role now in helping to address this issue.”
The two-year programme has recruited 18 participants from diverse Early Years professions including management of community and private services, managers of childcare committees, support and development of staff and national support organisations such as Early Childhood Ireland, primary school teaching and tutors.
“IT Sligo is demonstrating its active leadership and engagement by responding to the needs of the Early Years sector,” said Dr Perry Share, Head of Business and Social Sciences at the Institute. “This first group of professional leaders will make a positive contribution towards improving the lives of children, families as well as the wider community.”
More information on the new MA in Leadership in Early Childhood Care & Education is available here.
Fergus Finlay, CEO of Barnardos, with the new participants in IT Sligo’s Masters in Leadership in Early Childhood Care & Education.
Fergus Finlay, CEO of Barnardos, delivers his masterclass in Leadership to participants in IT Sligo’s MA in Leadership in Early Childhood Care & Education.