Expand+ELC1 - Level 5 Stage 1 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

Monaghan Institute is delighted to introduce the new Early Learning and Care award which is the milestone for the new professional standard award for the Early Years sector. Th...

Hide-ELC1 - Level 5 Stage 1 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

Monaghan Institute is delighted to introduce the new Early Learning and Care award which is the milestone for the new professional standard award for the Early Years sector. The aim of this programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skill and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in the early learning and care setting.

Is this course right for you?
This is Stage 1 of a 2 year professional programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6, and learners can progress to the ELC Level 6 award if they have achieved the ELC Level 5 award or if they have gone through an RPL (recognised prior learning) process.

There is an embedded award, a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473, which can be achieved if learners exit the programme after successful completion of the Stage 1 modules.

Expand+You can apply online now. Applications close in October each year and reopen for the next academic year in January.

Monaghan Institute operates a policy of selection and admission of learners that is, at all stages and in all ways, equitable, tran...

Hide-You can apply online now. Applications close in October each year and reopen for the next academic year in January.

Monaghan Institute operates a policy of selection and admission of learners that is, at all stages and in all ways, equitable, transparent and accountable and respects the rights and dignity of applicants. The process for gaining access to full time courses at Monaghan Institute consists of several sequential stages:

Application
Interview (where applicable)
Selection and notification
Registration
Induction (where applicable)
Garda Vetting (where applicable)
Monaghan Institute operates under the CMETB FET Admissions Policy, which is available on our Policies page.

Expand+What will you study?
The course provides learners with opportunities for practical workplace experience and the underpinning knowledge of early learning and care, as well as fostering communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children. ...

Hide-What will you study?
The course provides learners with opportunities for practical workplace experience and the underpinning knowledge of early learning and care, as well as fostering communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.

Professional practice placement:

Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in each year in a minimum of two settings:

Working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and
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.

Stage 1 Modules

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

Stage 2 Modules

Advanced Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
The Developing Child
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Inclusive Early Learning and Care
Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care

Note: In order to progress to Stage 2 of the course, learners must successfully achieve all of programme learning outcomes associated with Stage 1.

Expand+Career Prospects
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the programme as Early Years Assistants with opportunities to progress to Room Leader in a range of early learning and care settings both community-based and private.

The curre...

Hide-Career Prospects
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the programme as Early Years Assistants with opportunities to progress to Room Leader in a range of early learning and care settings both community-based and private.

The current qualification requirement for room leaders is Level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications.) Qualifications for different roles in ELC may be subject to change in line with evolving national policy.

Degree Progression
There are many degree options available from this course, including:

College Course Area Level
Maynooth University Early Childhood Teaching and Learning 8
TU Dublin (Tallaght) Early Childhood Care and Education 8
DKIT Early Childhood Studies 8
LKIT Early Childhood Care, Health and Education 8