Course description
To meet the needs of an expanding ECCE sector Portobello Institute aims to provide a solid, integrated, unified approach to the delivery of ECCE training. FETAC Certificates are now obtained through a new Common Award System (CAS) and awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Portobello Institute have been approved by Pobal as a Training Provider to deliver accredited training as part of the Learner Fund. The Learner Fund will subsidise the cost for eligible learners to undertake accredited Level 5 and Level 6 courses. By September 2015 all staff will be required to have Level 5 and all (ECCE) room leaders will be required to have Level 6 in Childcare.
Our Early Childhood courses aim to develop our Learners the highest level of professional competence as practitioners, establishing in them a wide knowledge and a deep understanding of educational practices in conjunction with the principles set down by Síolta: the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Aistear: the Framework for Early Learning.
This qualification will allow you to work as a room leader or supervisor under the ECCE scheme. You will be qualified to work with children from 0 – 6 within the broader childcare settings.
This course is ideal for those currently working within an early years setting.
This course is offered through blended learning, there will be a mixture of live lectures, online learning, directed home tasks and online/phone support from your personal tutor. You will attend 8 Saturday workshops (every 6 weeks).
Qualification Gained
FETAC Level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education
Entry Requirements
Entry to this course is by direct application to the college
Course Structure
This is a blended learning course delivered over 48 weeks with 2 workshops on a Saturday or Sunday. Please refer to the schedule of workshops here
Course Content Modules
• Early Childhood Curriculum
• Work Experience
• Personal and Professional Development
• Social, Legal and Health Studies
• Child Development
• Communications
• Child Psychology
• Special Needs Assisting
Access, Transfer and Progression
Learners can progress directly into Year 2 of our 4 year (Hons) Degree: Early Childhood Studies (Level 8) awarded by London Metropolitan University
Further Education and PLCs (Post Leaving Cert Courses) have become a popular alternative to the CAO system here in Ireland. PLC Courses are validated by QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) at levels 5 & 6 of the NFQ and offer a valid and valuable route into the workforce whilst also offering the option to continue with further study or proceed on to third level. 
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) helps to keep skills and knowledge up to date and ensures the standard of registrations and qualifications are maintained. CPD courses can also enhance career opportunities helping skilled workers to build credibility and confidence by continuing to achieve educationally..