Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
This is year 1 of a 2 year programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6. Learners can progress to the Early Learning and Care Level 6 award (Year 2) if they have achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or if they have gone through an RPL process.
| 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
Stage 1
Prospective learners wishing to be accepted onto Stage 1 of the programme must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
- Leaving Certificate including Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent qualifications at NFQ level 4
- English language - Minimum English language and literacy competence at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second language is Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking.
Prospective learners will be expected to demonstrate:
- a desire to work in the early learning care industry
- an ability to act with responsibility and autonomy
- an ability to take responsibility for their own learning while under supervision
Learners may accessing the programme will not be expected to demonstrate prior knowledge or experience of the ELC sector.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
For information please visit our Progression Page under Student Supports.
Opportunities open to students who did not achieve the desired Leaving Certificate to allow entry to your desired course from the CAO system, you can have the opportunity to achieve up to 390 points in a PLC course and gain access to 3rd Level or for mature students who did not complete a Leaving Certificate to gain access to 3rd Level.
Further information
Early Learning and Care
Early Learning and Care
APPLY NOW
QQI Early Learning & Care Professional Award 5M21473
Co-ordinator: Sinead Gunning
Contact: sinead.gunning@gretb.ie
Course Outline
GCC are proud to provide the Early Learning & Care award, which is the professional standard award in the Early Years sector.
This is year 1 of a 2 year programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6. Learners can progress to the Early Learning and Care Level 6 award (Year 2) if they have achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or if they have gone through an RPL process.
Learners may exit the programme after 1 year and be awarded a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473
The Early Learning and Care sector workforce have access to a suite of professional awards from entry level qualifications at Level 5 to honours degree level, that recognise the value of professionals at all these levels working in ELC settings across the country.
This program replaced the Early Childhood Care & Education 5M2009 which has been deactivated by QQI.
Modules
Professional Practice Placement in ELC
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years)
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Professional Practice Placement (Work Experience)
As part of the programme learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement at both stage 1 and stage 2 (total 300 hours) in a minimum of two settings. One setting must involve working directly with children aged between 0 and 2 years 8 months and the other setting working with children aged between 2 years 8 months and 6 years
Work experience takes place one day per week throughout the academic year and two one-week block in Feb / March.
Students have a practical opportunity here to apply theory, knowledge and interpersonal skills in a variety of childcare and educational settings.
Entry Requirements
Stage 1
Prospective learners wishing to be accepted onto Stage 1 of the programme must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
Leaving Certificate including Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent qualifications at NFQ level 4
English language - Minimum English language and literacy competence at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second language is Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking.
Prospective learners will be expected to demonstrate:
a desire to work in the early learning care industry
an ability to act with responsibility and autonomy
an ability to take responsibility for their own learning while under supervision
Learners may accessing the programme will not be expected to demonstrate prior knowledge or experience of the ELC sector.
Fees
€175 GCC Student Services Fee applies to all learners.
€50 QQI Certification Fee applies to all learners except
Those in receipt of Back to Education Allowance.
Medical Card Holders (valid at time of Registration).
€60 Refundable Book Rental Fee
Non EU Students are subject to an International Fee.
We advise non-EU citizens living outside Ireland to contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service on www.inis.gov.ie to ensure the course you are considering applying for is eligible for a student visa. Non-EU citizens living in Ireland are welcome to apply and require a PPS number (Personal Public Service Number). Non-EU citizens are required to pay a tuition fee set by the Irish government which is currently €3653. Some exemptions apply, for further information, please contact http://www.gretb.ie
Student Grants
Students can use the link https://www.susi.ie/eligibility-criteria/ to check if they are eligible for the SUSI grant. SUSI grant applications are done online through the SUSI website. Galway Community College is not responsible for processing new or existing applications for Student Support Grants (SUSI).
To apply online please see "Application Weblink" above.
GCC are proud to provide the Early Learning & Care award, which is the professional standard award in the Early Years sector.
This is year 1 of a 2 year programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6. Learners can progress to the Early Learning and Care Level 6 award (Year 2) if they have achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or if they have gone through an RPL process.
Learners may exit the programme after 1 year and be awarded a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473
The Early Learning and Care sector workforce have access to a suite of professional awards from entry level qualifications at Level 5 to honours degree level, that recognise the value of professionals at all these levels working in ELC settings across the country.
This program replaced the Early Childhood Care & Education 5M2009 which has been deactivated by QQI.
Special Features
Course directed by professional and qualified teachers who are credited with a wealth of practical experience. Preparation for employment in a variety of settings.
Please Note
Galway Community College reserves the right to make changes to any course, to limit the number of places available or to withdraw a course. No part of this information shall be deemed to form a contract between the college and a student or a third party.
Modules:
Professional Practice Placement in ELC
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years)
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Professional Practice Placement (Work Experience)
As part of the programme learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement at both stage 1 and stage 2 (total 300 hours) in a minimum of two settings. One setting must involve working directly with children aged between 0 and 2 years 8 months and the other setting working with children aged between 2 years 8 months and 6 years
Work experience takes place one day per week throughout the academic year and two one-week block in Feb / March.
Students have a practical opportunity here to apply theory, knowledge and interpersonal skills in a variety of childcare and educational settings.
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Award Title: Early Learning & Care QQI Level 5 - 5M21473
Co-ordinator: Sinead Gunning
Contact: sinead.gunning@gretb.ie
Galway Community College Further Education,
Wellpark Rd,
Galway.
t: 091 755464
e: gcc@gretb.ie