Early Learning & Care with Special Needs (Stage 2) - Advanced
The Advanced Childhood Early Learning & Care course seeks to extend students knowledge in theoretical approaches and provides learners with the skills needed to work as a room leader/supervisor in a childcare setting.
| 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 QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care (Stage 1).
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options:
Graduates may progress directly to employment as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in primary, post-primary, or special education settings, supporting students with additional learning needs.
Graduates may also progress to supervisory positions in Early Years Services and in organisations that require leaders to oversee and deliver childcare provision.
Alternatively, graduates may choose to continue their studies by progressing to a third-level degree programme in Special Education, Inclusive Education, or Early Childhood Care and Education in a range of universities and technological universities across Ireland.
*UCC Advanced entry into year two is an option for those with sufficiently high grades at Level 6.
Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
Maynooth University
Arts, Social Science, Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (Part-time)
DKIT
Year Two Direct Entry to Early Childhood Studies
Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology.
This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.
Further information
Course commences: September 2026.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/
Aim:
The Advanced Childhood Early Learning & Care course seeks to extend students knowledge in theoretical approaches and provides learners with the skills needed to work as a room leader/supervisor in a childcare setting.
Graduates can progress to degree programmes at third level or progress directly into employment in the childcare sector.
Special Needs Assisting
Advanced Professional Practice Placement in ELC
Sociology and Social Policy in ELC
The Developing Child
Curriculum & Pedagogy
Inclusive Early Learning and Care
Supervision and Administration in ELC
Additional Qualifications:
Children First E-Learning Programme
Manual Handling
Vocational Workshops
HACCP Food Safety
6M21471 – Early Learning & Care Stage 2.
Award:
QQI Level 6 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education.
QQI Level 6 Component Award in Special Needs Assisting.
Additional Qualifications:
Children First E-Learning Programme
Manual Handling
Vocational Workshops
HACCP Food Safety
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie