Childcare: Cert in Early Learning & Care

Course Content

Stage 1 (Year 1) Modules:

• Professional Practice Placement in ELC Two settings: Birth – 2.8 years, 2.8 years – 6 years
• Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
• Holistic Care of Children 0 – 6 years
• Early Childhood Growth and Development
• Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
• Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs

Course Content

Optional: Stage 2 (Year 2) Modules:

• Advanced Professional Practice Placement in ELC Two settings: Birth – 2.8 years
• 2.8 years - 6 years Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
• The Developing Child
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Inclusive Early Learning and Care
• Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care

Career Prospects

• Childcare/Early Learning and Care practitioner
• Supervisor/Room Leader in an Early Learning and Care setting

Certification

• Stage 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473
• Stage 2: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care 6M21471

Duration

This is a one-year full-time course. Learners will achieve a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care on successful completion of the stage 1 modules. Level 5 Early Learning and Care graduates may choose to continue to stage 2 (second year) to achieve a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate/ Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent.
• Applicants whose first language isn’t English need to have a B2 competence in an English language test.
• Successful completion of interview.
• Applicants will be required to undertake Garda vetting. International students must also provide Police vetting from the country/countries where they have previously lived.
• If you already have a Level 5 Certificate in ECCE you may be eligible to enter in stage 2 – talk to the Course Coordinator for more information.

Work Experience

Work experience placement is an integral part of this course. Students must obtain one day per week work experience for the academic year. The day will be specified by the college. There will be a two-week block placement at the end of the first term. Students are required to gain experience of working with babies and toddlers aged from birth to 2 years 8 months, and pre-school children aged 2 years 8 months to 6 years.

Costs

A student services contribution of €50 is payable on registration. The purpose of which is to cover services, materials, and supports including printing, photocopying, library, student cards etc. This is non refundable.

Progression

The NFQ Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care and the NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care facilitate entry, on a competitive basis, to a range of third-level institutions nationwide.