Early Learning & Care - Year One
Have you always wanted to work with children? This one year full time programme will provide you with the qualification required to work in the Early Learning and Care sector.
| 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.
Entry Requirements
Standard minimum entry requirements on all courses
• Applicants must be 17+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English required.
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
• A QQI Level 5 award is a prerequisite to access a Level 6 programme.
All applicants will be required to attend for interview. Learners are required to complete 150 hours on Professional Practice Placement and must undergo Garda Vetting prior to going on Placement.
Careers / Further progression
Graduations can progress onto Stage 2 to complete Level 6 Early Learning and Care in OFI or to a variety of Level 7 & Level 8 degree programmes in DKIT, DCU, Maynooth, Marino, TUS.
Graduates can progress to employment in a range of Early Learning and Care setting across the public and private sector in Ireland and abroad such as:
Early Years Educator | Preschool Educator | Montessori Teacher | Aims Support Worker | Afterschool Teacher | Childminding | Au Pair | Summer Camp Facilitator
Further information
PLC Courses begin in September 2026.
Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
A mature applicant route is available for those who don’t meet the minimum educational requirements. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on January 1st of the year the course starts. We look forward to meeting at monthly Mature Student Coffee Meetings.
New Low Course Fees for 2026
All courses now have a low course registration fee of €30. Make sure to confirm your place on a course by paying your registration fee.
PLC MAINTENANCE GRANT (SUSI)
SUSI grants are available to eligible students attending full-time approved courses at OFI. Please visit www.susi.ie for eligibility criteria.
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (BTEA)
BTEA allows qualifying persons getting certain social welfare payments to get a back to education payment while participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
SOLAS FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
FSD provides funding to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. To access supports, students are required to declare their disability and provide documentation confirming their additional need. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students
Laptop Loan Scheme
All students can apply for the laptop loan scheme. This provides students with the use of a high specification device for the duration of the academic year for a very low refundable deposit. This scheme ensures students have access to a digital device and the opportunity for success.
Sports Scholarships
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2026. Application forms will be available on our of.ie website. For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
Email: mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie
Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis
Apply online using the 'Application Weblink' above.
Online application process opens on 1st January. Ensure you apply as soon as possible.
Interview - Shortlisting process
Interviews are held in March/May/August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
College Place - Secure your place
You will be notified of your offer by email and post. Confirm your place by paying your registration fee of €30.
Course Description
Have you always wanted to work with children? This one year full time programme will provide you with the qualification required to work in the Early Learning and Care sector. Gain an insight into how children grow, develop and learn through play. Each week learners will engage in placement in a creche setting, while learning simultaneously through class participation.
Certification: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care, 5M21473
▪ Professional Practice Placement in ELC
▪ Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
▪ Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years)
▪ Early Childhood Growth and Development
▪ Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
▪ Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Additional Training:
▪ Paediatric First Aid Training
▪ Manual Handling
5M21473: Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie