Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
This course will equip learners with the skills required to gain employment in a variety of childcare settings but particularly in the pre-school setting.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks. Runs in Clash Road Campus & Listowel Campus.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
General:
• Applicants must be 16+ 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 (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Specific to Early Childhood Care & Education
• Demonstrate an interest in working with children.
• Experience working or volunteering in a childcare environment is an advantage but not essential.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
What are the employment opportunities?
A professional qualification in ELC is required to work in the childcare area. The successful candidate would be qualified to work as an early years practitioner. After schools practitioner, AIM’s practitioner roles may also be available to qualified practitioners.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
• Graduates may opt to continue their studies to the QQI Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education at Kerry College.
• Progress to Early Childhood Care and Education at MTU – Kerry Campus or the B.A. in Early Childhood Care and Education at Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Early Learning & Care (5M21473)
What will I study?
• Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation (5C21524)
• Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies (5C21527)
• Early Childhood Growth and Development (5C21526)
• Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years (5C21525)
• Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (5C21523)
• Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs (5C21528)
This course also includes a work experience component, providing learners with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world professional setting.
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm