5M21473 Early Learning & Care Stage 1 (Level 5)
6M21471 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care
The Early Learning and Care course is designed to equip the learner with the personal skills, knowledge and competence required for working with children in a professional manner, within Early Childhood Care and Education settings. The course aims to equip the learner with the necessary skills required for assisting children with General Learning Difficulties (GLD) and Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD). This course promotes the highest standards of good practice, equality of opportunity, an inclusive approach to curriculum development and respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion, and culture.
Course Content
Level 5
- Early Childhood Growth and Development
- Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulations
- Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
- Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
- Understanding Children with Additional Needs
- Holistic Care of Children (Birth to 6 Years)
Level 6
- Advanced Professional Practice Placement in ELC
- Sociology and Social Policy in ELC
- The Developing Child
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Inclusive Early Learning and Care
- Supervision and Administration in ELC
Practice Placement
Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement.
Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in a minimum of two settings: (1) working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and (2) working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
Entry Requirements
- Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent
- Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL). Applicants may wish to participate in a Level 4 Starter Course with English, to prepare them for this Level 5 programme
- Students must attend a Meet and Greet with Course Coordinator and other applicants prior to course commencement
- A desire to work in the sector
- Mature learners welcome. Where an applicant does not have a Leaving Cert or Level 4, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the course in an interview and by writing a short piece outlining their interest in a career in early learning and care.
Certification
Certificate in Early Learning & Care Stage 1 QQI Level 5 (5M21473) – Year 1
Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education QQI Level 6 (6M2007) – Year 2
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, students are qualified for employment as Child Care workers in Early Childhood Care and Education settings. On successful completion of the two years students will have the qualifications necessary for employment as pre-school leader and room leader rolls in Early Childhood settings.
Graduates from this course may gain entry to Year 2 in National College of Ireland’s BA in Early Childhood Education and also to Degree Programmes in a number of Institutes of Technology with related courses through the Higher Education Links Scheme.
Progression
ITB BA Early Childhood Care and Education (L7& L8)
TU BA Early Childhood Education
NCI BA Early Childhood Education
Duration
1-2 years (September to May)
Those who prefer to finish after one year can achieve a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care on successful completion of all modules. Alternatively, learners can progress onto Year 2 for a Level 6 Certificate.
Course Charges
Year 1: €370
Year 2: €300
This course is free for those over 21 and in receipt of a social welfare payment*. Click here for more information and to check eligibility.
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