Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
The course provides learners with an insight and understanding of the developing child and an opportunity to develop skills for working with young children in a variety of Early Years settings.
| 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
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Special Entry Requirements:
• Garda clearance is a requirement
• Relevant work experience desirable.
• Applicants will be required to demonstrate a proficiency in communicating in English.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to achieve a competency rating to Level B2 on the CEFRLO framework.
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:
• Direct entry to employment in Early Learning and Care settings such as crèches, nurseries, playgroups.
• Opportunities to progress to further and higher education in the fields of Early Childhood Education.
• Progression to the Stage Two course in Early Learning and Care (Level 6) at College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny.
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 One)
Award Title: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Award Code: 5M21473
Course Code: 499452
Programme Description:
This is the first stage of a twoyear programme, leading to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. The course provides learners with an insight and understanding of the developing child and an opportunity to develop skills for working with young children in a variety of Early Years settings. Upon completing Stage 1 learners have the option of working in the Early Years Sector as this is the QQI minimum qualification for working in Early Learning and Care. Learners may also progress into other further and higher education opportunities.
Professional Practice Placement:
Learners are required to complete 150 hours of practice placement in a TUSLA registered childcare setting over the duration of this course. This will be scheduled as a blend of one day per week and block placement. Information on placement will be provided at interview and induction.
Additional Activities:
Additional short courses may be offered in First Aid Responder programmes with Paediatrics and Drama and Art workshops.
Component Awards:
• Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (5C21523)
• Children’s Rights Legislation and Regulation (5C21524)
• Early Childhood Growth and Development (5C21526)
• Curriculum Play and Creative Studies (5C21527)
• Understanding & Assisting Children with Additional Needs (5C21528)
• Holistic Care of Children (0-6) (5C21525
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
T: 056 776 3321
E: info@cfet.ie