Course description

This course enables learners to develop the knowledge, skill and competence to work as childcare practitioners, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years. Graduates can take responsibility for a room or area in the early learning and care setting. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress onto further and higher education and training.
This is a two-year full-time course. September to May. One day a week will be on placement.
Course Content – Year 1
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
Course Content – Year 2
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 Year 2 of the course, learners must successfully achieve course learning outcomes associated with Year 1.
Professional practice placement
Students 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.
Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement
Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year.
Course Qualification
QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6

Those who wish to finish after one year can achieve a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care on successful completion of the Year 1 modules.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates progress to employment in range of early education settings across the public and private sector:

Early Learning and Care – Childcare

A professional qualification in Early Learning Care is now required to work in the Early Childhood Care and Education sector. Throughout the course, students will gain experience in the childcare sector through professional practice placement and class participation. On completion, opportunities may arise to work […]