Certificate in Early Learning & Care Stage 1 QQI Level 5 (5M21473) – Year 1
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care QQI Level 6 (6M21471) – Year 2
The Early Learning and Care course is designed to equip the learner with the personal skills, knowledge and competence required for working with children in a professional manner, within Early Childhood Care and Education settings. Encouraging the holistic well-being, development and learning of children within their social, cultural and economic contexts through appropriate curriculum, pedagogical practice and care routines.
This course promotes the highest standards of good practice, equality of opportunity, an inclusive approach to curriculum development and respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion, and culture. The course aims to teach the necessary skills required for assisting children with General Learning Difficulties (GLD) and Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD).
Course Content
Level 5
- Early Childhood Growth and Development
- Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulations
- Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
- Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
- Understanding Children with Additional Needs
- Holistic Care of Children (Birth to 6 Years)
Level 6 (Part-time)
- Advanced Professional Practice Placement in ELC
- Sociology and Social Policy in ELC
- The Developing Child
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Inclusive Early Learning and Care
- Supervision and Administration in ELC
Practice Placement
Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement 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.
Garda Vetting: Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement. From 1st July 2025, the only acceptable forms of ID for vetting purposes are 1. Passport from country of citizenship. 2. Irish Driving Licence or Learner Permit (new credit card format). 3. Irish Certificate of Naturalisation. 4. National Identity Card (EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens.
Police Clearance Certificate – International students who have lived outside of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for more than 6 consecutive months, must obtain a police certificate from those countries that confirm they have no criminal convictions. Students must complete this process themselves.
Entry Requirements
All applicants are required to meet with a member of the team to discuss and their suitability for the course. Applicants will be contacted about a day / time / location and what to bring.
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). 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.
Certification
Certificate in Early Learning & Care Stage 1 QQI Level 5 (5M21473) – Year 1
Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education QQI Level 6 (6M21471) – Year 2
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, students are qualified for employment as Early Learning Practitioners in Early Childhood Care and Education settings. On successful completion of the two years students will have the qualifications necessary for employment as pre-school leader and room leader rolls in Early Childhood settings.
Progression
Graduates from this course may gain advanced entry to Year 2 in National College of Ireland’s BA in Early Childhood Education. Graduates may gain entry into Degree Programmes through the Higher Education Links Scheme including:
- BA in Early Childhood Education, Level 8 in NCI
- BA Level 8 Early Childhood Teaching and Learning in Maynooth University
- BA Level 8 Early Childhood Care and Education TU Tallaght
- BA Level 7 in Early Years Care Education in AU Athlone
Duration
Level 5 – one year (September to May)
Level 6 – One year (part-time)
Those who prefer to finish after one year can achieve a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care on successful completion of all modules. Alternatively, learners can progress onto Year 2 for a Level 6 Certificate which is part-time.
Course Charges
Year 1: €100
Year 2: €100
Applicants in receipt of a Social Welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.
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