Sylvia is an assistant lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in the Department of Social Sciences at the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus. She holds a Master’s in Education (Early Intervention) from Trinity College Dublin and a First-Class Hons BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning.
Sylvia has worked in the ECEC sector since 1996 and brings extensive experience across early childhood practices, leadership, mentoring, professional development and further and higher education. She established and managed two ECEC settings and subsequently worked as a Quality Development Officer with Offaly County Childcare Committee. In this role, she supported ECEC settings in areas including quality improvement, inclusion, curriculum development, safeguarding and regulatory practices.
Before joining TUS Sylvia taught Early Learning and Care and Special Needs Assisting programmes in further education and coordinated professional practice placement within a Level 8 degree programme. As an experienced trainer, she has designed and delivered professional development for early childhood educators.
Sylvia’s Master’s research explored the contribution of outdoor play to the holistic development of children with additional needs in ECEC settings in Ireland. Her undergraduate action research examined how children can be supported during the transition from preschool to primary school. Her teaching and research are underpinned by a commitment to inclusive, child-centred and rights-based practice and to supporting students to become reflective, knowledgeable and responsive early childhood educators.