Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
Throughout this Early Learning and Care course, you’ll gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience that will prepare you to work with children aged 0-6 and promote their holistic development.
| 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
• 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)
• 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.
Careers / Further progression
Employment Opportunities:
Learners exiting the programme after completing Stage 1 with a QQI Level 5 award in Early Learning Care can progress to employment in a range of early years settings such as;
• Montessori Pre Schools and Schools
• Private Crèches
• Community Playgroups
• Primary Schools – Early Start Schools
• Centres offering ECCE (free pre-school years)
• Outdoor Preschool/Forest School
Education Progression
Below are some examples of progression options with this QQI level 5 award in Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2009:
• TU Dublin City Centre, Early Childhood Education G, Level 8, TU995
For more progression options go to www.cao.ie
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
To Apply Online go to "Application Weblink" above.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in childcare and early years services? Throughout this Early Learning and Care course, you’ll gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience that will prepare you to work with children aged 0-6 and promote their holistic development. This award also opens up opportunities for you to progress to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care and further and Higher education and training.
Professional practice placement:
• Learners must complete 150 hours professional practice placement in a Tusla registered Early Learning and Care setting. You will be required to conduct this placement with two age groups: (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.
• Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement
• Police clearance required where a person has lived in a country other than Ireland for longer than 6 consecutive months
Course Features
• Use of specialised equipment and materials as required in an Early Learning Environment
• Workshops in the five main Montessori disciplines: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial and Cultural
• Practical Workshops in our national frameworks – Síolta and Aistear
• Mindfulness in the classroom
• Interactive sessions using art, drama and music
• Practical demonstrations in care routines and use of early childhood materials
• Educational outings, field trips and guest speakers
• Fully equipped Early Childhood Education and Care classroom
Accredited Training in:
• Lámh Sign Language
• Túsla Child Protection Online Training
• Occupational First Aid
• Certificate in Manual Handling
• Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
• Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
• Holistic Care of Children 0-6 years
• Early Childhood Growth and Development
• Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
• Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care Stage 1
Coordinator: Caroline Regan
Email: carolineregan@scfe.ie
Application forms online at www.scfe.ie
Email: reception@scfe.ie
Tel: 01 285 2997