Early Learning & Care - Stage 2 - Advanced
If you have completed your Stage 1 in Early Learning and Care or Equivalent and have a passion for working with children and a desire to progress your career, then this is the course for you!
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Childcare or equivalent in a related discipline is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional
• Applicants must express an interest in learning and practicing new skills.
• Demonstrable interest in working with children.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Basic computer skills desirable.
• Experience working or volunteering in a childcare environment is an advantage but not essential.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
This award will provide students with opportunities to transfer and progress to programmes leading to higher education and training awards at Level 7 and Level 8. It will ensure eligibility to apply for advanced entry to year 2 of a limited number of Early Childhood Care and Education degrees such as;
• UCC: Early Years & Childhood Studies
• WIT: Early Childhood Care & Education
• MTU: Early Childhood Education and Care
What are the employment opportunities?
• The ELC Stage 2 Advanced Certificate equips you to work in Early Learning and Care and Montessori settings as a Supervisor/Manager.
• The current qualification requirement for room leaders is Level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications).
• Graduates can seek employment in crèches, pre-school/after school facilities.
• There is a strong tradition of graduates of this course gaining employment as Special Needs Assistants in schools.
• In addition, this course provides a good platform for studying related degree programmes, which can then be used to apply for postgraduate teaching programmes.
Further information
Start date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why Should I Apply?
Are you interested in developing your knowledge, skills and competencies as an Early Years Practitioner and want to further your opportunities in the ELC sector including potential supervision and room leader roles?
This is year 2 of the new Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Level 6). Learners can progress to this course if they have already achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or if they have gone through the Recognition of Prior Learning process.
The programme aims to meet the requirements of Early Learning and Care supervisors and managers in relation to current Early Years Legislation and Child Protection Legislation. Students are empowered to become professional, reflective practitioners with a holistic approach in Early Childcare and Education.
Students will undertake 150 hours of Professional Practice Placement. The settings will include children of the following ages; birth - 2 years 8 months, and 2 years 8 months to 6 years.
Professional Practice placements must be carried out with an ELC provider currently registered with Tusla.
What's the certification?
QQI Level 6 Major Award Certificate Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate (6M21471).
What will I study?
Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (6C21517)
Curriculum & Pedagogy (6C21520)
Inclusive Early Learning and Care (6C21521)
Sociology & Social Policy in Early Learning and Care (6C21518)
Supervision & Administration in Early Learning and Care (6C21522)
The Developing Child (6C21519)
6M21471 - Early Learning and Care Stage 2 Advanced.
Kerry College - Listowel Campus
Unit 1, Listowel Business Development Centre,
Listowel Business Park,
Clieveragh,
Listowel
Co. Kerry.
V31PC79
t: (068) 22655
e: listowel@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm