Early Learning & Care - Stage Two
This programme will equip learners with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience for working professionally in the Early Learning and Care sector.
| 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
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Special Entry Requirements:
• Applicants will have completed Stage One, the Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
• Prior Learning in the industry will be considered for entry.
• All applicants will be interviewed and Garda Vetted.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to achieve a competency rating to Level B2 on the CEFRLO framework. This will have been completed as part of the Stage One application.
Under 23 years of age
If you are under the age of 23, the college may require the following as a condition of enrolment:
• Five ‘O6’ and / or ‘H7’ grades in the Leaving Certificate examination. Grades at Foundation level are acceptable in some circumstances.
• Applicants who have completed the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme should hold at least a minimum pass level.
• A pass grade in the LCVP link module is acceptable as equivalent to a pass in one of the five required Leaving Certificate subjects as defined above.
• Successful completion of a relevant Level 4 programme will be considered as an alternative to the Leaving Certificate.
• To access programmes leading to a Levels 3 or 4 award, the learner should have reached the standards of knowledge skill and competence associated with the preceding level of the NFQ. This may have been achieved through a formal qualification or through relevant life and work experience.
• Some courses may have unique requirements e.g. a pass grade in a specific subject or the presentation of work samples. Information relating to specific programme requirements will be contained on individual programme information pages.
Special Considerations
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to demonstrate that they have a proficiency in English language to permit them to participate in the course and may be required to complete an English language assessment.
• Garda vetting will be required for programmes with work experience in settings that involve working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This includes the Early Learning and Care, Special Needs Assisting, Nursing, Community Care, Health Service and Youthwork programmes. Learners enrolling on other courses may require Garda Vetting if the placement is in specific settings that involves working with the groups identified above.
Careers / Further progression
Progression:
• Following completion of Stage Two, learners will have a recognised Professional Qualification in Early Learning and Care Level 6 which will entitle them to work in a variety of Early Learning and Care settings as Room Leaders.
• There are defined progression routes to Level 7 and 8 Degree programmes in the Early Learning and Care fields.
Further information
Over 23 years of age
Mature learners are welcome to apply for all courses at College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny.
These applications will be evaluated on previous experiences.
Student Maintenance Grant - Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
Learners attending Further Education/Post Leaving Certificate programmes may apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). All applications for grants in respect of new enrolments will be made online for the 2025/2026 academic year.
It is not necessary to have received an offer of a college place or to be enrolled at the College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny in order to apply. The closing date is the end of August each year, but you should apply as soon as possible once the 2025/2026 applications are open. Early application is advised.
These grants are means-tested and payable monthly. Payment of grants may be subject to attendance in accordance with the Department of Education and Skills regulations. The college is required to make monthly reports on your attendance to the grants authority.
Applications for maintenance grants can be made online through www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie
Shortlisting Process: Interviews are held in March / May / August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
Early Learning & Care (Stage Two)
Award Title: Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Award Code: 6M21471
Course Code: 499453
Programme Description:
This is the second stage of a twoyear programme which will provide learners with the opportunity of achieving an Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. This programme will equip learners with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience for working professionally in the Early Learning and Care sector. Learners will also acquire professional skills and qualities for working with children with Special Needs through the modular content and the Professional Work Placement. Learners may progress to honours degree programmes in the Early Learning and Care fields after completing this programme.
Professional Practice Placement:
• Learners will undertake and complete 150 hours of Professional Practice Placement in a TUSLA registered Early Years Setting.
• The Early Years setting will accommodate children from 0-6 years.
• All learners going out on Work Placement will have completed the Children First Programme.
Component Awards:
• The Developing Child (6C21519)
• Curriculum and Pedagogy (6C21520)
• Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care (6C21522)
• Inclusive Early Learning and Care (6C21521)
• Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (6C21517)
• Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care (6C21518)
6M21471 - Early Learning & Care
T: 056 776 3321
E: info@cfet.ie