Early Learning & Care - Stage 2 -Advanced
The overall aim of the two stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC 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
One year – September 2026 to May 2027.
Entry Requirements
• Education: Learners will be expected to have completed Stage One of this programme or equivalent. 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.
• Aptitude: The programme is intended for learners interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged from 0-6 years, including those who may have an interest in working as an early learning and care practitioner or for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field.
• Previous Experience: Target learners include school-leavers and mature learners returning to education. Full-time and part-time courses are intended to meet the needs of a range of learners, such as those already working in the sector who want to develop their skills and/or acquire qualifications, people working in other areas or unemployed who want to move into the ELC sector, people with responsibilities that do not enable them to undertake full-time courses and people whose preference is to undertake a part-time course.
Further information
Start Date: 01/09/2026. End Date: 14/05/2027.
€80 QQI Level 5 Certification Fee (The above exemptions apply, except SUSI Grant recipients who do not hold a medical card).
There is detailed information on the range of grants and funds for students in further education on the website www.studentfinance.ie
Apply via "Application Weblink" above. This link will bring you directly to the Fetch course application portal.
This is Stage Two of a Two Stage Programme.
The overall aim of the two stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC setting*. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and 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.) Qualifications for different roles in ELC may be subject to change in line with evolving national policy.
Award Title: Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Stage 2.
Modules:
1. Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
2. Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
3. The Developing Child
4. Curriculum and Pedagogy
5. Inclusive Early Learning and Care
6. Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care
NB: It is important to note that the 6 mandatory Programme Modules are not accredited Awards in their own right. The Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care will only be awarded on successful completion of Stage One of the Programme and all of the 6 mandatory Programme Modules in Stage Two.
6M21471 - Early Learning and Care Stage 2 - Advanced
For further information, contact Elaine on 057 9349424 or email tullamore@loetb.ie