Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
This programme will enable learners to develop the knowledge, skill and competence to work as an early learning educator, supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years in the early learning and care setting.
| 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 course. Classes are Monday-Thursday. Placement on Fridays.
Entry Requirements
• Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent
• Interview
• Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL). Applicants may wish to participate in a Level 4 Starter Course with English, to prepare them for this Level 5 programme
• A desire to work in the sector
• 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.
• All learners are required to be Garda vetted, by the college, as part of this programme and as part of their work placement in a creche setting. It is important that applicants understand the need for Garda clearance in order to progress in this course.
Careers / Further progression
Careers and Opportunities
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the programme as Early Years Assistants in a range of early learning and care settings both community-based and private.
Further Study Opportunities
• Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, Level 6 Cathal Brugha Fet College
• Early Childhood Teaching and Learning BA Level 8 Maynooth University
• Early Childhood Care and Education BA Level 8 TU, Tallaght
• BA in Early Childhood Education, Level 8 in NCI
• BA in Early Years Care Education, Level 7 in AU Athlone
Further information
Start Date: September 2026.
Registration Fee: €100. Course Materials: €50.
Student Grants
Eligible students can apply for a SUSI Grant to assist with course costs. Please contact SUSI.ie for further information.
View https://www.cathalbrughafet.ie/general-information for other grants and supports.
Apply online. Please see "Application Weblink" above.
Certificate in Early Learning and Care (North Strand Campus).
Course Overview
Are you interested in working as an early learning practitioner? This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work competently, safely and effectively with young children in a childcare setting. This programme will enable learners to develop the knowledge, skill and competence to work as an early learning educator, supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years in the early learning and care setting. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training.
Certification: QQI Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 5.
Modules List:
Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
Holistic Care of Children 0-6 years
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs.
Please note the components listed above may vary occasionally.
Professional practice placement:
• Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in each year in a minimum of two settings: (1) working directly with children aged between 0-2 years 8 months, and (2) working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months - 6 years.
• Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement
• Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year.
Note: In order to progress to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, Level 6, learners must successfully achieve all of the Level 5 programme modules.
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care Stage 1
North Strand Campus
171 North Strand Road, Dublin 1, D01 Y160
T: 01 855 7116
F: 01 855 4064