Early Learning & Care - Advanced - Stage 2
This 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 0 - 6 years.
| 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.
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.
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 8
• Marino Institute of Education | Early Childhood Education | Level 8
• Maynooth University | Early Childhood Teaching & Learning | Level 8
• Mary Immaculate College | Early Childhood Care and Education | Level 8
• University College Cork | Early Years and Childhood Studies | Level 8
Career Opportunities
Graduates 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 | Management Role in Early Learning & Care Setting Preschool Educator| Montessori Teacher | Aims Support Worker | Afterschool Teacher | Childminding | Au Pair | Summer Camp Facilitator Tutor.
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
This 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 0 - 6 years. Students will be qualified to work as a Room Leader, Supervisors in Early Learning & Care settings, and progressing to Management.
Certification: QQI Level 6 Certificate in Early Learning Care
▪ 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.
▪ Level 6 SNA module
6M21471: Advanced 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