Early Learning & Care Advanced - Stage 2
The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work as an Autonomous Professional such as a Pre-School Leader in an Early Years Setting.
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | First Aid Response |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
| First Aid Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
Duration
This is a one-year full time course and runs from September to May.
Entry Requirements
Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Mature students (age 23+) welcome
Recognition of Prior Learning is taken into consideration
Interview
Garda vetting to be completed, including police clearance where appropriate
Careers / Further progression
There are a wide range of progression opportunities available for FET graduates via the CAO website. Please view the entry requirements for all Higher Education colleges here: https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=scoring&s=fetac
Further information
Course commences 7th September 2026
Mayo College of Further Education & Training is offering no tuition fees for September 2026, which covers exam fees, student consumables, and journals. This includes courses across campuses in Ballina, Castlebar, and Westport, aimed at relieving the cost of living crisis. Some specific courses or materials might still have costs, but tuition is free.
Means tested grants are available from SUSI.
Please visit http://www.susi.ie/ for more information and to make an application.
Yes
This one year Level 6 QQI in Advanced Early Learning and Care provides an advancement of training in Early Years. It offers the opportunity to progress to employment or further study in the Early Learning and Care Sector to Level 7/8. Mayo College of Further Education and Training have an agreement with ATU Castlebar, where students who successfully complete our Level 6 Programme in ELC can gain access to second year of a Level 7/8 programme in Early Childhood Education and Care.
The programme contains a mix of practical and theoretical elements with workshops throughout the year, such as music, movement and dance, healthy exercise, and disability.
The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work as an Autonomous Professional such as a Pre-School Leader in an Early Years Setting. This is the minimum qualification to be a Room Leader. Successful students will be awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. The Student will also complete additional qualifications in First Aid Responder, Manual Handling, Tusla eLearning Certificates in Child Protection, Mandated Person in Child Protection and the Quality Regulatory Framework.
The Developing Child 6C21519
Curriculum and Pedagogy 6C21520
Inclusive Learning and Care 6C21521
Supervision and Administration 6C21522
Advanced Professional Practice Placement 6C21517
Sociology and Social Policy in ELC 6C21518
6M21471 - Early Learning & Care Advanced
Successful students will be awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. The Student will also complete additional qualifications in First Aid Responder, Manual Handling, Tusla eLearning Certificates in Child Protection, Mandated Person in Child Protection and the Quality Regulatory Framework.
Phone: 094 9023134
Email: admin@ccfe.ie