Early Learning & Care Advanced Stage 2
The aim of this programme is to equip the learner with the knowledge and skills required to work in a variety of roles within Early Learning and Care settings including management/lead a team. Additionally, graduates may decide to progress to higher education to enhance their qualifications.
| 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
Learners can progress to this course if they have already achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or equivalent.
Where the learner achieved their certificate five years prior to application to the programme, they will be granted automatic advanced entry to stage 2.
Where the learner achieved the certificate more than five years prior to application to the programme, they will be required to demonstrate that their learning remains current. Recognition of Prior Learning process is available for advanced entry.
A minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.
For more information on this course, please contact Lynda Smyth.
Careers / Further progression
Career Prospects
Graduates in Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care are equipped to work in managerial and leadership positions.
The current qualification requirement for room leaders of preschool is Level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications).
In addition, this course provides a good platform for studying related degree programmes, which can then be used to apply for postgraduate teaching programmes.
Degree Progression
There are many degree options available from this course, including:
College Course Area Level
Maynooth University Early Childhood Teaching and Learning 8
TU Dublin (Tallaght) Early Childhood Care and Education 8
DKIT Early Childhood Studies 8
Durham University Primary Education 8
DCU Early Childhood Education 8
Further information
25
QQI Exam Fee € 50.00
Administration Fee € 50.00
Capitation Fee €70.00
Good News Regarding Your Course Fees
In August 2022, Monaghan Institute and CMETB announced plans to significantly reduce fees on full time courses. This means that your course fees have been reduced to a maximum of €200. If you have a Medical Card/Social Welfare Payment, the fee will be €150. This fee includes all course materials, exam fees, toolkits, and uniforms.
Additional courses:
First Aid Responder, and Handling and Lifting course fees of €240 are also fully funded by Monaghan Institute and CMETB.
Full-time learners may be eligible to apply for PLC maintenance grants, which are means tested. For further details, visit www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie where applications can be made online or downloaded.
You can apply online now. Applications close in October each year and reopen for the next academic year in January.
Monaghan Institute operates a policy of selection and admission of learners that is, at all stages and in all ways, equitable, transparent and accountable and respects the rights and dignity of applicants. The process for gaining access to full time courses at Monaghan Institute consists of several sequential stages:
Application
Interview (where applicable)
Selection and notification
Registration
Induction (where applicable)
Garda Vetting (where applicable)
Monaghan Institute operates under the CMETB FET Admissions Policy, which is available on our Policies page.
Is this course right for you?
The programme is intended for learners interested in a career working with children in early learning and care. This includes assisting children with special needs. The advanced certificate in Early Learning and Care is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field. All staff working in leadership/managerial roles must hold minimum QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Learning (or equivalent).
This is Stage 2 of a 2 year professional programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6, and learners can progress to the ELC Level 6 award if they have achieved the ELC Level 5 award.
What will you study?
The course provides learners with opportunities for practical workplace experience and the underpinning knowledge of early learning and care, as well as fostering communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
Professional practice placement:
Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in each year in a minimum of two settings:
Working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and
Working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
Professional practice placements must be carried out with an ELC provider currently registered with TUSLA. Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement. Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year.
Areas of study may include:
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 in Early Learning and Care
Note: In order to progress to Stage 2 of the course, learners must successfully achieve all of programme learning outcomes associated with Stage 1.
You will be assessed on the basis of:
• Assignments
• Examinations
• Project Work
6M21471 - Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate
Qualifications Obtained
6M21471 QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6
For more information on this course, please contact Lynda Smyth.
Email: lyndasmyth@monaghaninstitute.ie
Monaghan Institute Education Campus,
Armagh Road,
Monaghan
Tel. 047-84900
E-mail: info@monaghaninstitute.ie
Visit our Website on www.monaghaninstitute.ie