Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
The Certificate in Early Learning and Care is the professional award required for entry into the early learning and care sector. This programme through a balance of theory and practical opportunities enriches the personal and professional development of the learner in preparation of the Early Years Educator role (NFQ Level 5).
| 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
1 year full-time, September to May.
Entry Requirements
Prospective learners wishing to be accepted onto Stage 1 of the programme must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
Leaving Certificate including Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent qualifications at NFQ level 4
English language – Minimum English language and literacy competence at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second language is Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking. Evidence of achievement of this standard is necessary for entry to the programme.
Prospective students are required to complete an assessment and interview to determine placement on a further education course in Portlaoise Institute. Prospective learners will be expected to demonstrate:
a desire to work in the early learning care industry
an ability to act with responsibility and autonomy
an ability to take responsibility for their own learning while under supervision
Portlaoise Institute welcomes applications from mature students who will be assessed on their own merits and do not require the above qualifications.
Careers / Further progression
Progress to careers including:
After School Services
Crèches Assistant
Nurseries Assistant
Pre-schools and Playschools
Primary Schools Assistant
Special Needs Assistant
Higher Education Progression
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the programme to work as an Early Years Educators.
On successful completion of the Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Stage 1/NFQ Level 5) programme, graduates have the opportunity to continue their studies within Portlaoise Institute to complete the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Stage 2/NFQ Level 6) programme.
Here are examples of higher education courses students can progress to:
College NFQ Level
LC432 Early Childhood Care and Education Limerick IT (Thurles) 7
AL764 Early Years Care and Education Athlone IT 7
CW748 Early Childhood Education and Care IT Carlow 8
WD149 Early Childhood Studies Waterford IT 8
*Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie
Further information
All learners are required to pay the following:
An acceptance fee of €50, to be paid when offered a place on a course.
Other costs (books, exams, equipment, professional membership fees, optional training etc.) are also payable. These costs vary depending on the course chosen. Information on costs is provided during Induction.
Exam Fee €50 (unless a medical card holder)
Uniform/Tunic for Professional Practice Placement
Fees for Manual Handling & First Aid Course offered by external provider.
The website http://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/ is the go to website for information on funding your studies.
The website https://susi.ie/ is where you can go to apply for grants.
Yes
Applications usually begin in late January, early applications are always advisable to avoid classes filling up and increase your chances of getting a position.
The aim of this one-year full-time programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work independently and as part of a team, subject to direction and practice supervision. Working as a member of the early learning and care community of practice, they will provide holistic care and learning experiences for children from 0-6 years across a range of early learning and care settings.
Throughout the course, learners will work under supervision demonstrating the required competencies, values and work practices to build reciprocal, responsive and respectful working relationships with all stakeholders in the best interest of babies, toddlers and young children.
This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training. Graduates of this programme may progress within Portlaoise Institiute to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Stage 2/NFQ Level 6) programme.
Why Should I Apply for the Course
Insight into the early learning and care sector, from an early years practitioner viewpoint
Completion of 150 professional practice placement in a local early learning and care service, working with children aged between 0-6 years
Teamwork with early years professionals who will support and enhance personal and professional development
Development of academic, research and digital skills
Practical and fun workshops in the area of creative arts
Friendly experienced teachers who are available for academic support
Programme of Study
Insight into the early learning and care sector, from an early years practitioner viewpoint
Completion of 150 professional practice placement in a local early learning and care service, working with children aged between 0-6 years
Teamwork with early years professionals who will support and enhance personal and professional development
Development of academic, research and digital skills
Practical and fun workshops in the area of creative arts
Friendly experienced teachers who are available for academic support
* Modules subject to change
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES
Patient Manual Handling
TUSLA, Child First eLearning Programme
First Aid Responder (QQI Level 5 Module)
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Certification:
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care
Portlaoise Institute,
Mountrath Road,
Portlaoise,
Co. Laois.
R32 H392
email: info@portlaoiseinstitute.ie
Course Coordinator
Sandra Duggan
Email: sduggan@loetb.ie