Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
Our brand new online QQI Level 5 Early Learning & Care Major Award is aimed at learners seeking to commence a professional career in the Early Years sector working directly with children from birth to six years. The programme will facilitate learners with the opportunity of gaining employment as an Early Years Educator while also acting as a stepping stone for progression to other suitable further and higher education and training programmes.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
How is it delivered?
This new 40 week programme will be delivered Online and you will be expected to attend approx. 2-3 hours of Live Online Lectures each week (Monday-Friday) with some additional attendance Tutorials/Workshops to be held across two Saturdays over the duration of the programme.
How does our online blended learning work?
This QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care programme will be delivered by blended learning using a combination of suitable online teaching and learning activities consisting of a range of synchronous and asynchronous directed and self-directed study. These methods will be guided and supported through online lectures, tutorials, discussions, collaborative and independent learning.
Professional Practice Placement is a requirement at all stages of this programme, with a total of 150 hours (minimum) to be completed.
Over the duration of this one year programme all learners will engage in approx. 20-30 hours of study each week which considers a mix of directed, independent self-directed and work-based learning.
Suitable teaching methods will compromise a range of teaching and learning activities which includes Live Online Lectures that are intended for the direct teaching of core module topics, to support the learning process and to assist in the understanding of the module content while also encouraging peer to peer engagement and interactions.
Additionally, learners will engage in a series of online activities which will include pre-recorded video content, written content, discussion forums, presentations, uploaded readings, quizzes and exercises, all of which will all be hosted in the colleges eLearning system.
Digital Literacy Supports:
In addition to the course modules noted in the Course details section and over the duration of their programme learners will have access to three Study Skills workshops – one to be held during each semester.
The workshops aim to promote academic and digital literacy skills so that learners can confidentially engage with digital learning tools that are intended to support the delivery of this programme.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:
The pre-requisites for entry will consider each of the following:
- Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area and/or relevant practical experience. Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt.
- Learners must be a based in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number.
- Learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (150 hours minimum) across a range of ELC settings.
- Learners will be required to participate in live online classes/webinars & periodic attendance workshops.
- Learners will be required to participate in placement monitoring visits (on-site and online) during their course.
- Be competent in both written and spoken English.
English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing, and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information. Any applicant whose first language is not English may also be required to demonstrate their level of English proficiency by completion of an appropriate recognised test such as IELTS achieving a score of 5.5 or higher.
Garda Vetting is required for all Early Years placements and learners can apply for this through The Open College. Please check our FAQ’s page for more information on Garda Vetting and International Vetting if you have lived outside Ireland for 6 months or more.
Certain assessments require completion of work, which must be observed and evaluated by a suitably qualified Supervisor or Line manager.
Digital Literacy: as the programme will be delivered online, learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment which will enable them to successfully participate in the online activities i.e., computer, broadband, email, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.
Reasonable accommodations will be considered for any learner who may have any additional needs or requirements.
Further information
Commencing Soon – September 2023.
The full major award programme fee is €1,450 and includes all documentation, lecturing, assessments, learner registration and QQI certification fees for this stage. No other hidden accreditation or certification fees to pay!
There are also Easy Payment options of – €125 per month over 12 months with our unrivalled Easy Payment Plans. Enrol using your Debit / Credit Card or call us on (+353) 1 206 1828 to avail of this offer.
Apply via Register Now button on course webpage - link below.
Course Description
This brand new single stage online programme leading to the new QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care Major Award has been designed to meet the new professional award standards of Early Learning & Care (ELC) at Level 5.
The programme comprises 4 modules to be completed over one year (full time) and aims to prepare learners for work as an Early Years Educator working under direction, and in preparation for progression as a Lead Early Years Educator.
Learners will acquire the knowledge, skills and competence that contribute to a modern early years’ educator who can work under direction, both independently and as part of a team, and is flexible, creative, and inclusive in their approach to promoting and supporting the holistic development of the child, from birth to six years.
The programme has been specifically developed to combine theory and practice-based training. Therefore, learners will be expected to apply all theoretical knowledge in practice which will be the focus of the practice placement module embedded across the programme.
Learners will complete a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement during each stage of the programme in a minimum of two ELC settings with a minimum of 40 hours in a second additional setting / service.
It is recommended that learners gain experience with babies (birth to 18 months), toddlers (12 months to 3 years) & young children (2½ to 6 years). Each Placement Block will have a specific correlation to the theoretical modules being undertaken in each semester.
The programme offers employment opportunities as an Early Years Educator for those who achieve the full Level (5) major award. Learners will also have the opportunity to progress to the Level (6) Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care to advance their career as a Lead Early Years Educator.
The blended teaching and learning approach will be suited to those with responsibilities that do not enable them to undertake classroom-based training on a full-time basis and is intended to meet the needs of a diverse range of learner profiles and make accommodations for those who may already be working in the sector or in other vocations who wish to change career paths.
Programme Objectives:
To examine a range of Early Learning & Care theories and approaches that can enhance the overall holistic development of the child, within an emergent and inquiry-based curriculum, in line with current frameworks.
To create awareness of the policies, procedures and practices which supports the overall health, wellbeing, development, and welfare (holistic development) of the child/children in accordance with national legislation and regulatory frameworks.
To equip learners with the knowledges, skills and competencies to identify, support and respond to the planning and assessing of individual learning and care needs of the child, within a democratic and participatory pedagogy.
To develop ECEC practitioners who the individual rights and capabilities of the child taking account of diversity, equality, and inclusion while practising clear communication with all stakeholders
To prepare the learner for engagement in professional practice, and to support learners in identifying and achieving their own personal and professional development plans.
To develop academic and digitally literate learners capable of confidently using a range of technologies to support their learning and practice and source employment opportunities.
Is there a placement required?
Yes, you will complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in a minimum of two ELC settings.
Module & Programme Structures:
Over the duration of this QQI Level Major Award in Early Learning & Care (ELC) you will complete a range of modules which will link both theory and practice and will be assessed in a range of contexts. The full level (5) award consists of 4 modules totalling 120 credits.
Four Compulsory Modules (120 Credits):
Module (1): The Early Years Professional (1) – 30 Credits
The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence, of national frameworks, legislation, policy, procedures, and practices within the profession of early childhood education and care. Learners will use a range of effective interpersonal, intrapersonal and reflective communicative skills, understanding how they impact upon their role as an early year’s professional, in supporting the health, development and wellbeing of children (0-6 years).
Module (2): The Early Years Educator – 30 Credits
The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill, and competence relevant to the theory and practice of child psychology, child development and learning, so that learners can provide for the holistic health, safety, and well-being of children. Learners will understand their role within early years pedagogy and curricular provision, in line with national curriculum and quality frameworks, providing planning and assessment opportunities, experiences, and activities facilitating quality interactions across the Early Learning & Care setting.
Module (3): Inclusive Practice in Early Years Education (1) – 30 Credits
The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill, and competence relevant to the principles and practices of ethical, rights based, inclusive and participatory practice. Each learner will understand and demonstrate the role of the early years’ practitioner, in supporting all children with and without additional needs. Learners will gain confidence in promoting collaborative practice that is democratic, inclusive and anti-bias, responsive to the holistic, care play and learning of all children, in recognition of the importance of supporting the identity and belonging, the voice and agency of each child.
Module (4): Professional Practice Placement (1) – 30 Credits
The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge and skills required of a competent early year’s educator who will observe and engage in quality practice in early years care and education. Learners will apply understanding of early childhood care and education theory through evidence-based practice and in accordance with the Early Learning & Care Professional Awards standards at Level (5).
5M21473 - Early Learning and Care
Accreditation:
- Following successful completion, you will receive a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Early Learning & Care.
- QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. The Open College is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.
- All Registration & Certification Fees are included in the course price.
Protection for Learners on this Level 5 Major Award:
As a course provider our policy on the protection for learners is subject to Section 43 of the Qualifications Act. This means that if, for whatever reason, we cease to provide the programme that is over 3 months in duration which you enrolled for, we have specific and legally binding arrangements in place to finish out that programme for you at no extra cost. All course fees for programmes over 3 months in duration are fully protected and secured by a Bond.
If we cease trading those learners who have not finished their programme will be fully protected by this Bond which will be automatically triggered and the fund that covers all Fees paid by learners will be transferred to QQI by our Bond Management firm to enable QQI provide further study options for these learners or the refund of fees most recently paid so that they can complete their programme and all of this will be at no extra cost to the learners affected.
The Learning Centre,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Tel: 01 206 1828
Email: info@theopencollege.com