Early Learning & Care Advanced Stage 2
This one-year full time programme leads to an Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Stage 2) and is designed to meet the professional award standards for early learning and care at 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
Duration: 38 weeks
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.
Careers / Further progression
Employability Statement
The successful completion of the overall two stage programme and achievement of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Award will enable the applicant to work as an autonomous practitioner and or take responsibility for an area or room, leading and coordinating the provision of a quality early learning and care environment across a range of early learning and care settings.* The focus is on promoting the holistic well-being, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of ELC settings.
*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.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026 End Date: 28/05/2027
Means-tested Student Maintenance Grants are available to qualifying learners. The administration of these grants was handled by the former Vocational Education Committees (VECs) up to the 2011/12 academic year. A new ONLINE ONLY grant applications system was introduced in the 2012/13 academic year. All applications have to be made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), the single Awarding Authority for all new student grant applications, through www.susi.ie. If you are thinking of embarking on a programme with us, you should investigate whether you are eligible, and, if so, submit an application.
The aim of this one-year full time programme is to equip the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to work as autonomous practitioners in an ELC setting and/or take responsibility for an area or room, leading and coordinating the provision of a quality early learning and care environment*
The focus is on promoting the holistic well-being, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of ELC settings. The programme offers a balance of theory and practice, and professional practice placement is integral to the teaching and learning. Learners who successfully complete the programme will have opportunities to progress into the work place or into further and higher education.
**The programme leads to a new award, the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care 6M21471.
*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.
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.
Title Award Awarding Body
Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate (6N21472) QQI
Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate (6N21472) QQI
The Developing Child Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate (6N21472) QQI
Curriculum and Pedagogy Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate (6N21472) QQI
Inclusive Early Learning and Care Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate (6N21472) QQI
Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care Early Learning & Care Advanced Certificate (6N21472) QQI
Development of Key Skills
6M21471 - Early Learning & Care