Expand+Exemptions:
It is possible to gain exemptions from certain components of the course. If you already hold a qualifying QQI award, or any childcare award and will be no older than 5 years at the time of certification on this major award please contact...

Hide-Exemptions:
It is possible to gain exemptions from certain components of the course. If you already hold a qualifying QQI award, or any childcare award and will be no older than 5 years at the time of certification on this major award please contact and we will advise you of available exemptions.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

•Level 5 Certificate in Childcare or equivalent. The ideal candidate should have previous experience of studying at Level 5.

•Students must currently be working (or on work experience) in the childcare sector for a minimum of 6 hours per week, throughout the course, as assignments will require learners to draw upon practical experience.

•Garda Vetting is required for all Childcare placements and students can apply for this on an individual basis through The Open College. Please Ask for Details.

•Certain assessments require completion of work, which must be observed and evaluated by a Supervisor or Line manager.

•If you take this programme by distance learning the course material will be posted or emailed to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.

•As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.

•If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.

•Competent knowledge of English as well as basic typing skills is required as all assessments need to be typed prior to submission for correction.

Expand+The new Childcare Legislation (2016) requires all childcare workers to hold a minimum of a Level 5 Major Award in Childcare before they are allowed to work in a registered childcare setting.

However, from September 2016 in ECCE services, subsidies...

Hide-The new Childcare Legislation (2016) requires all childcare workers to hold a minimum of a Level 5 Major Award in Childcare before they are allowed to work in a registered childcare setting.

However, from September 2016 in ECCE services, subsidies will only be paid for individual ECCE Sessions where the ECCE Room leader holds at least a Level 6 Major Childcare Award.

In short, if you need to complete a Major Award in Childcare, The Open College recommends the following:

•Start with this Level 6 Major Award in Childcare, if you are an experienced Childcare Worker or have any Level 5 Major Award Childcare course.

•Start with our QQI Level 5 Major Award in Childcare, if you do not hold a Leaving Cert or any Level 5 award. Once you complete the Level 5 Major Award in Childcare you may then progress to Level 6 Childcare courses.

This QQI level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education Major award – 6M2007 will provide learners with the knowledge, skill and competence to work as autonomous practitioners and to lead and supervise others in the provision of quality early childhood care and education in a variety of ECCE settings, whether working in a day care nursery, crèche, pre-school / after school facility or with families as a professional childminder.

The programme meets the educational requirements as set out for the Government’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme introduced in 2009. The ECCE requires that at least one person in each childcare centre or crèche has this qualification. It will provide a major boost to your career prospects if you are interested in developing a career in childcare.

As part of this Major Award learners will complete a total of 8 modules to achieve the award. On completion of the award learners will have the option of progressing to higher education and training opportunities.

In addition to being valuable for staff working in childcare environments, the modules within this course provide valuable information and important skills to learners and to others involved in the informal provision of childcare and childhood developments and with flexible study options it is suitable for those with family/work commitments who are unable to attend lectures.

Summary benefits of completing this Level 6 Childcare Major award course

•You need to hold at least a level 6 Major Award (or equivalent) in Childcare in order to be a Room Leader and benefit from ECCE subsidies.

•The level 6 Major Award syllabus is more advanced and of more benefit to you, and your workplace.

•You can bypass the Level 5 Major Award and commence the Level 6 Major Award in Childcare course if you hold a Leaving Cert or a Level 5 Major Award in Childcare.

•Following completion of our QQI Level 6 Major Award in Childcare, you can progress to a higher level course in a 3rd Level University or Institute of Technology.

About the Early Childhood Scheme (ECCE):

This scheme is a government funded initiative offering a free pre-school year in an early education centre. Part of the requirements of the scheme, stipulate that Childcare Leaders and employees must hold certain qualifications in order to qualify for the scheme. The certification offered by this programme fully meets the educational requirements for childcare staff. For pre-school practitioners to avail of the ordinary capitation rate for the ECCE scheme which was introduced in January 2010, the pre-school leader should hold a Major Award in the relevant area at Level 5. Full details on the qualification requirements for the ordinary and higher rate of capitation are set out on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs website.

Learners who successfully complete this course will:

•Develop an understanding of the interdependency of all domains of child development and its impact on early childhood education and care practice.
•Acquire an understanding of early childhood programmes.
•Develop an awareness of social and legal issues which relate directly to and impact on early childhood education and care settings.
•Enhance their professional communication skills to promote effective interaction with all stakeholders.

This distance learning, QQI accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification. Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.

The course documentation for this course is detailed and easy to read. If students require extra time to complete the course they can apply for an extension.

The programme duration is a combination of directed and self-directed learning activity including work placements and the total number of learning hours per week should be 25 hours on average.

Expand+Major Award in Early Childhood Care & Education
Requirement in Credit Value is 120

Students must complete the following 8 Mandatory Modules

Module 1: Child Development – 6N1942*

Gain a full understanding of the different theories in child...

Hide-Major Award in Early Childhood Care & Education
Requirement in Credit Value is 120

Students must complete the following 8 Mandatory Modules

Module 1: Child Development – 6N1942*

Gain a full understanding of the different theories in child development. Candidate should be able to recognise the differences between these theories and identify where they contrast and complement each other. The candidate will identify the practical implementation of these theories to everyday events in the ECCE. Child development theory should impact on how candidate interacts with children and approaches the child’s holistic development. An understanding of theory will also aid the candidate in the practical understanding and implantation of behaviour management techniques.

Module 2: Early Childhood Curriculum – 6N1944

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the skills necessary to ensure children within their care have the best access to the early childhood curriculum. Candidates will gain a full understanding of early childhood educational theories and the practical implementation of these theories into everyday life in the early childhood environment. Candidates will also gain an understanding of the different programme models used to aid early childhood learning. They will recognise the different theories on the adult’s role within the learning processes along with the importance of on-going personal and professional development.

Module 3: Childhood Social Legal & Health Services – 6N1945

On successful completion of this module learners will be equipped with knowledge, skill and competence in relation to factors which influence the health and well being of children, child protection issues, the legislative and policy frameworks which influence the childcare sector, equality and diversity guidelines, key skills required of the childcare worker and personal reflection strategies.

Module 4: Work Experience – 6N1946

The Learner will learn how to: plan their work schedule, to communicate effectively in the workplace, deal with equality and to fully understand and co-operate with Health and Safety in the workplace.

They will be able to reflect on their experiences, challenges and positive experiences and will learn to understand the rights and responsibilities of both the employers and employees and the need to maintain appropriate confidentiality at all times.

Module 5: Communications – 6N1950

This module will introduce the learner to the core competencies required to be a successful communicator. Looking at Verbal, Non Verbal and Written Communications and how they are used in business and in other aspects of day-to-day life. Peer to peer communications as well as looking at communications from a management point of view are examined.

Module 6: Supervision in Early Childhood Care – 6N1973

On successful completion of this module learners will be equipped with knowledge, skill and competence in relation to management theory, the role of the supervisor, supervision practice, motivation theory and practical supervision skills. This will equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to supervise others in providing child care and education in a range of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) contexts.

Module 7: Disability Awareness – 6N1975

Obtain the knowledge of different definitions of disability in relation to historical and cultural influences. Learners will acquire knowledge of various types of physical and learning disabilities. They will be familiar with the different assistive technology and teaching methods which will help with the negative aspects of each disability.

Module 8: Special Needs Assisting – 6N1957

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the skills necessary to ensure children with special needs are offered the same opportunity to access education compared to those children who do not have special needs. Learners will examine the different educational options available for children in Ireland under current legalisation.

*Students taking this module will have to sit an examination (€50.00) that is normally held in Dublin but arrangements can be made in outside centres around the country. This can be paid before exam dates and is not required upon enrolment. This exam fee is not covered in the course fee/registration fee.

All participants must have access to a professional Childcare environment to fulfill the assessment requirements of the course – which is at least 150 hours work experience.

Expand+Assessment:
•A combination of module appropriate assessment procedures will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of the course. These methods will include a combination of final written examinations (depending on your elective module) and ...

Hide-Assessment:
•A combination of module appropriate assessment procedures will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of the course. These methods will include a combination of final written examinations (depending on your elective module) and continuous assessment processes such as assignments, collection of work, learner records, projects and skills demonstration. All assignments will be designed to maximize the individual participant’s skills in their career development. All work submitted must be your own work.

•As part of our quality assurance, student assessment work will be marked by an Internal Assessor, validated by a Verifier with an independent QQI External Authenticator to complete the process