Early Learning & Care - Stage 2 - Advanced
Take your passion for working with young children to the next level with the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6.
| 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, September to May.
Entry Requirements
• QQI award in Early Learning and Care stage 1 5M21473
• If you have completed Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2007 within the last 5 years and show an interest in working in the sector advanced entry to stage 2 is possible.
• Recognition of Prior Learning will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
• Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL)
Careers / Further progression
Employment and Career Opportunities
• ELC Room leader positions
• ELC Manager
• ELC Supervisor role
• Special needs assistant in primary schools and ELC settings
Education progression
Below are some examples of progression options with this QQI level 6 award in Early Childhood Care and Education 6M21471:
• 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.
Take your passion for working with young children to the next level with the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6. Build on your level 5 qualifications and gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel in the ever-progressing field of ELC. Building on your level 5 qualifications, the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care focuses on the holistic development and learning of the child. By taking a variety of modules, you’ll have the chance to further develop your knowledge, skills and competencies in the ELC sector, which can open up exciting opportunities for you in roles like supervision and room leader positions*. Plus, the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care also provides a clear pathway for you to progress into further and higher education and training.
*The current qualification requirement for room leaders is level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications) Qualification requirements may be subject to change in line with evolving national requirements.
Professional Practice Placement
• You will gain hands on experience through a 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
• Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year.
• Police clearance required where a person has lived in a country other than Ireland for longer than 6 consecutive months.
Course Features
• Accredited Training in Lámh Sign Language
• Child Protection Training
• Occupational First Aid
• Certificate in Manual Handling
• Opportunity to participation in an Erasmus+ programme to Norway
• Practical Workshops in our national frameworks – Síolta and Aistear
• Interactive sessions using art, drama and music
• Educational outings, field trips and guest speakers
• Workshops in the five main Montessori disciplines: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial and Cultural
• The Developing Child
• Inclusive Early Learning and Care
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Advanced Professional Practice Placement
• Supervision and Administration
• Sociology and Social Policy
6M21471 - Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Coordinator: Niamh Seery
Email: niamhseery@scfe.ie
Application forms online at www.scfe.ie
Email: reception@scfe.ie
Tel: 01 285 2997