The programme is intended for learners interested in a career working with children in early learning and care.  This includes assisting children with special needs.  The advanced certificate in Early Learning and Care is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field.  All staff working in leadership/managerial roles must hold minimum QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Learning (or equivalent).

This is Stage 2 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.

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: 

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. 

Professional practice placements must be carried out with an ELC provider currently registered with TUSLA. Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement. Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year. 

Areas of study may include:

• 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. 

6M21471 QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6 

• Learners can progress to this course if they have already achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or equivalent.
• Where the learner achieved their certificate five years prior to application to the programme, they will be granted automatic advanced entry to stage 2.
• Where the learner achieved the certificate more than five years prior to application to the programme, they will be required to demonstrate that their learning remains current. Recognition of Prior Learning process is available for advanced entry.
• A minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.

For more information on this course, please contact Lynda Smyth.

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.

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: 

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.
3. Placement in Primary School. 

Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement. Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year. 

Areas of Study may include:

• 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 
• Special Needs Assisting

Additional Training/Workshops:

• First Aid Response (FAR)
• People Moving and Handling
• Children First e-Learning programme

5M21473 QQI Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 5 

• Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent. 
• Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL). 
• 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. 

For more information on this course, please contact Concepta Connolly.

The programme is intended for learners interested in a career working with children in early learning and care. This includes assisting children with special needs. The advanced certificate in Early learning and Care is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field. All staff working in leadership/managerial roles must hold a minimum QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Learning (or equivalent).

The overall aim of the two-stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to support the holistic needs of children in an ELC setting. Learners will also develop skills in the management of relationships with all stakeholders and the community while working in the ELC sector. Additionally, the course provides learners with the opportunity for practical work placement.

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.
3. Placement in Primary School 

Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement. Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year. 

Areas of Study may include: 

• Advanced Professional Practice Placement 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
• Special Needs Assisting (Elective)

6M21471 QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6 

• Learners can progress to this course if they have already achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or equivalent.
• Where the learner achieved their certificate five years prior to application to the programme, they will be granted automatic advanced entry to stage 2.
• Where the learner achieved the certificate more than five years prior to application to the programme, they will be required to demonstrate that their learning remains current.
• A minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.

For more information on this course, please contact Lynda Smyth.