Early Learning & Care Advanced - Stage 2
The programme is aimed at learners who wish to extend their knowledge, skills and competencies, and are interested in a career in Early Learning and Care with children aged from 0 to six years old, including those who may have an interest in working as Room Leaders/ Supervisors in Early Learning & Care settings.
| 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
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for this course must have successfully achieved a Level 5 award in Early Learning & Care or equivalent.
Careers / Further progression
PROGRESSION TO DEGREES
Graduates can progress to a variety of third level degree programmes in Universities or Institutes of Technology including:
DkIT Early Childhood Studies Level 8 (Advanced Entry)
DCU Education - Early Childhood Education Level 8
TU Dublin Early Childhood Education Level 7 & 8
SETU Early Childhood Education and Care Level 7 & 8
Marino Institute of Education Early Childhood Education Level 8
Maynooth University Early Childhood Teaching & Learning Level 8
Mary Immaculate College Early Childhood
Career Opportunities
Graduates progress to employment in range of early education settings across the public and private sector:
Room Leader (ECCE/School-Age)
Management Role in Early Learning & Care Setting
Early Learning & Care Practitioner
Early Years Educator
School-Age/Afterschool Practitioner
Childminder
Special Needs Assistant
Further information
PLC Courses begin in September 2024.
International Students
Ó Fiaich Institute welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
NEW LOW COURSE FEES FOR 2024
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
Funding is available to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students.
REACH Fund
The aim of the Reach fund (formerly MAEDF) is to provide funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education. It aims to increase the participation of disadvantaged learners, particularly those who are undertaking literacy and skills programmes.
The fund has a strong focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers, including providing devices and software, and increasing their capacity to deliver learning. This fund is allocated by SOLAS and administered by LMETB.
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 2024-2025 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2024. Application forms will be available on our ofi.ie website.
For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie
Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis
Apply online - Application weblink below
Ensure you apply as soon as possible. Online application process opens on 1st January.
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.
Advanced Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
The Developing Child
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Inclusive Early Learning and Care
Supervision and Administration Skills in ELC
A minimum of 150 hours of professional practice placement must be completed.
6M21471 – Early Learning & Care (Stage 2 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care).
Certification:
6M21471 – Early Learning & Care (Stage 2 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care.
Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road,
Dundalk,
Co. Louth,
A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie
Social Media @ofidundalk