The University of Malta (UM) and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) have signed an Agreement in the area of Early Childhood Education and Care. This MOU will serve to strengthen the collaboration between the two institutions in this area of specialisation and also enable student progression from the Institute of Community Services at MCAST to the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education within the Faculty of Education.
The Agreement furthers the work carried out in the past, through which several MCAST students continued their studies in Education. It now enables MCAST students graduating with a Higher Diploma in Advanced Studies in the Early Years to enrol in the third and final year of the University’s new B.A.(Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care. These graduates will be eligible for employment in the Kindergarten sector and may also be able to proceed to the Master in Teaching and Learning (Early Years and Primary Education) in order to qualify as Primary School teachers.
The Agreement was reached following extensive discussions between the two institutions, through which the different perspectives and tertiary educational opportunities offered by the University and MCAST have been enhanced. The Agreement also extends to other areas of collaboration between the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care and the Institute of Community Services, and includes initiatives such as joint continuous professional development sessions and sharing of quality assurance procedures to promote mutual trust. It also testifies to the fruitful collaboration between the Faculty of Education and MCAST, which is also being exploited in the area of Vocational Education & Training.
The MoU was signed by University of Malta Rector, Professor Alfred J. Vella, and Dr Silvio De Bono President of the Board of Governors, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, in the presence of the Minister for Education and Employment, the Hon. Evarist Bartolo.