Early Learning & Care
This one year QQI Level 5 Programme in Early Learning and Care provides a foundation in Early Childhood Studies of the 0 – 6 year old child.
| 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
This is a one-year full time course and runs from September to May.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate/LCVP or Leaving Cert Applied
A FETAC/QQI Level 4 qualification
Mature students (age 23+) welcome
Interview
Garda vetting must be successfully completed.
Police Clearance required if lived abroad for more than 6 months over the age of 18 years.
All prospective learners will be interviewed
Careers / Further progression
This programme provides an opportunity to progress to employment or further study in Early Learning and Care Sector.
Further Progression
On successful completion of this Programme, successful candidates can continue to study QQI Level 6 in Advanced Early Learning and Care at Mayo College of Further Education and Training where they can access second year of the Level7/8 Degreee in Early Childhood Care and Education at ATU.
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 QQI Level 5 Programme in Early Learning and Care provides a foundation in Early Childhood Studies of the 0 – 6 year old child. To work in a creche, pre-school or any other service providing education and care to children, the mandatory requirement is Level 5 Early Learning and Care. This programme provides an opportunity to progress to employment or further study in Early Learning and Care Sector.
It contains a mix of practical and theoretical elements with workshops organised throughout the year. Prospective candidates will be awarded certificates in First Aid Responder and Manual Handling and Child Protection. Workshops will be organised for Curriculum Activities such as Music, Art and Story Telling. Learners will also attend workshops in the area of Disability.
Course Outline:
Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning & Care 5C21523
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation 5C21524
Holistic Care of Children (0 – 6 years) 5C21525
Early Childhood Growth and Development 5C21526
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies 5C21527
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs 5C21528
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Award: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Award Code: 5M21473 Castlebar Campus
Phone: 094 9023134
Email: admin@ccfe.ie