This programme is designed for learners interested in careers working with children in early learning and care, including supporting children with special needs. It also suits those wishing to progress to higher education in this field. A QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Learning (or equivalent) is required for all leadership or managerial roles.

This two‑stage programme prepares learners to support the holistic needs of children in an ELC setting and to manage relationships with families, colleagues, and the wider community. It also includes practical work placement to build real‑world experience.

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 birth – 2 years 8 months,

2. Working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months to 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 

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.
• Recognition of Prior Learning process is available for advanced entry where the learner achieved the certificate more than five years prior to application to the programme or holds an equivalent qualification including Northern
  Ireland.
• For speakers of English as a second language and minimum of B2 is required in writing, reading, listening and speaking. Please contact Monaghan Institute directly for further information on equivalent qualifications, RPL and B2.

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

You may be eligible for advanced entry through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process if you:

• Completed Level 5 in ELC more than 5 years before applying.
• Hold an equivalent qualification, such as the BTEC UK Level 3 Diploma.

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

If you enjoy working with young children and want a recognised qualification for the early years sector, this course provides the knowledge, skills and practical experience to begin your career. Successful learners can achieve the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (5M21473) and may progress to further study.

The course combines practical work experience with essential knowledge of early learning and care, supporting learners to develop strong communication skills with all children, including those with additional needs, and their families.

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.

National Garda Vetting is required before commencing 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 Course 
• People Moving and Handling
• Children First e-Learning programme

5M21473 QQI Stage 1 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

• 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.

This programme is designed for learners interested in careers working with children in early learning and care, including supporting children with special needs. It also suits those wishing to progress to higher education in this field. A QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Learning (or equivalent) is required for all leadership or managerial roles.

This two‑stage programme prepares learners to support the holistic needs of children in an ELC setting and to manage relationships with families, colleagues, and the wider community. It also includes practical work placement to build real‑world experience.

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.

Recognition of Prior Learning process is available for advanced entry where the learner achieved the certificate more than five years prior to application to the programme or holds an equivalent qualification including Northern Ireland.

For speakers of English as a second language and minimum of B2 is required in writing, reading, listening and speaking.

Please contact  Lynda Smyth Monaghan Institute directly for further information on equivalent qualifications, RPL and B2.