academic skills in early childhood education and care: self-inquiry, learning and writing for students and practitioners

Ita Kennelly is a Programme Director and Lecturer in Education at the National College of Ireland (NCI). She works extensively in curriculum development including national projects designed to increase participation and access to education. She has been involved in teaching and supervising students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has research interests in academic writing, curriculum development and reflective practice. She is particularly interested in supporting students to achieve their potential in education and has been involved in developing a range of academic support modules including an academic foundations module tailored to students in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.

Meera Oke is an International higher education Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has been leading in designing courses to train and upskill Early Childhood Educator workforce. With an MSc in Child Development and Family Studies and a PhD in Human Development from India, Meera now holds the position of Academic and Programme Director Early Childhood Education & Care Programmes at Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning at National College of Ireland, Dublin. Her practice-based research interests and publications are in the areas of play, early childhood, wellbeing of early childhood educators, reflective practice and adoption.