Early Learning & Care
This one-year full time Early Learning and Care programme is offered as Stage 1 of the 2-stage Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. It offers students the opportunity to work in a variety of Early Years settings for children from babies to six years of age.
| 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
Course entry is subject to interview to describe desire to work in the Early Years Sector.
Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent.
Applicants whose first language is not English will require a competency to level B2 on the CEFRLO framework.
Mature learners welcome. Where an applicant does not have a Leaving Cert or Level 4, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the course in an interview and by writing a short piece outlining their interest in a career in early learning and care.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the childcare programme as Early Years Teachers in a range of early learning and care settings with opportunities to progress to Room Leader (on achievement of full Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care).
Progression
This course will prepare graduates for a profession which requires a strong commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development to meet the dynamic and evolving nature of both the ELC context and demands of professional practice in Early Learning and Care settings. Graduates who achieve the required standard may progress to further studies in:
• Dundrum College of Further Education: Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Level 6 – Code: 6M21471
• TU Dublin, TU790 Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and TU995 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education
• NCI, BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care – (advanced entry to Year 2 with Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care)
• DCU, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Code: DC001
• NUIM, BA (Honours) Early Childhood Teaching and Learning Code: MH8004
• St Nicholas Montessori, B Ed in Montessori Education – Code: NM701 and B Ed (Honours) in Montessori Education- Code: NM801.
Further information
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time third-level education in Ireland and also, in some cases, funding for students studying outside of Ireland.
Support is available to all types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education. www.susi.ie
Applications open from December 1st. You start by completing our centralised online application form (via the “Apply Now” button on the course page).
This one-year full time Early Learning and Care programme is offered as Stage 1 of the 2-stage Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. It offers students the opportunity to work in a variety of Early Years settings for children from babies to six years of age. This would include creches, preschools and Naíonraí. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress in further and higher education and Training.
In addition to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Students will also benefit from the following:
Lamh Training
Workshops
Guest speakers
Introduction to Autism
Erasmus + opportunities
Group trips
Completion of 150 work placement with children aged between 0-6 years
Friendly teachers who are available for academic support
In-college library where students can borrow ELC books for the academic year
Programme of Study
Core Modules
• Professional Practice Placement in ELC
• Children’s Rights Legislation and Regulation
• Early Childhood Growth and Development
• Curriculum Play and Creative Studies
• Holistic Care of Children (0-6)
• Understanding & Assisting Children with Additional Needs.
Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.
Work Experience
150 hours of professional practice placement with children aged 0- 2 years 8 months, and 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement and provide two references for verification by the college.
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Email: info@dcfe.ie
Tel: +353 1 298 5412 - 9am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm Monday to Friday