Early Learning & Care - Childcare
This two-year course prepares students for careers in childcare, crèche management, or as Special Needs Assistants. It combines practical experience with the development of key social and communication skills. Graduates can enter the workforce or progress to further study in Ireland or the UK. Suitable for school leavers and mature students.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| 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 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
2 years
Entry Requirements
− Leaving Certificate
− Leaving Certificate Applied
− Mature applicants
− Equivalent qualifications
All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications and must successfully complete a literacy assessment as part of the entry process. To successfully complete this programme students must have an 80% attendance rate each year. Entry to Year 2 is conditional on the successful completion of Year 1.
Careers / Further progression
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates can progress to Level 7/8 Early Childhood degrees at Maynooth University, DCU, UL, UCC, Marino Institute, TU Dublin (Blanchardstown), and SETU Carlow. Many UK universities also offer entry to Year 3. Alternatively, students may enter employment in childcare centres, classrooms, or community settings.
Graduates may also access 175 places in First Arts at Maynooth University or progress to Social Care, Social Studies, or Primary Teaching degrees. Optional Year 2 Level 6 Available.
Higher Education Pathways
Maynooth University: MH003 Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (Level 8, 4 Years) - Advanced entry to Year 2 with QQI Level 6 Qualification. Arts (Level 8, 3 Years)
NCI: NC030 Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 8, 4Years) - Advanced entry to year 2 with QQI Level 6 Qualification
TU Dublin Blanchardstown: TU993 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years)
Marino Institute of Education: CM020 Early Childhood Education (Level 8, 4 Years) Advanced entry to year 2 with QQI Level 6 qualification
TU Dublin Grangegorman: TU995 Early Childhood Education (Level 8, 3 Years)
DCU: DC001 Early Childhood Education (Level 8, 4 Years) Advanced entry to Year 2 with QQI Level 6 Qualification.
St. Nicholas College: NM801 Montessori
Education (Level 8, 4 Years)
DCU: DC235 Education and Training (Level 8, 3-4 Years)
SETU Waterford / Carlow: SE911 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years), SE913 Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 8, 4 Years)
TU Dublin Blanchardstown: TU790 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 7, 3 Years)
DKIT: DK876 Early Childhood Studies
(Level 8, 4 Years)
TU Dublin Tallaght: TU989 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years)
Sunderland University (UK): Entry to Year 3 of BA in Childhood Studies (Level 8, 3 Years)
Graduates from this programme are eligible to apply directly for various degree programmes in most UK universities.
Further information
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students for level 5 and level 6 courses in Dunboyne College of Further Education. For more information visit www.susi.ie
Certification
Year 1 - Level 5 Early Learning and Care 5M21473
Year 2 - Level 6 Early Learning and Care 6M21471
First Aid Response
Child Protection
The course combines theory in childcare and special needs assisting with practical experience. Modules offered may vary based on availability and demand.
Level 5 – Year 1
Level 5 – Year 1
− Professional Practice Placement
− Children with Additional Needs
− Children’s Rights and Legislation Level 6 – Year 2
− Advanced Practice Placement
− Sociology and Social Policy Level 6 – Year 2
− Child Development and Holistic Care (0–6 years)
− Curriculum, Play and Pedagogy
− Inclusive and Creative Early Learning
− Supporting Children with Additional Needs
− Supervision and Administration
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
6M21471 - Early Learning & Care Advanced
Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, A86 FH01
Phone: (01) 8026577
Email: DunboyneCollege@LMETB.ie
www.dunboynecollege.ie