Education

Early Learning and Care Certificate (5M21473)

This very practical course offers training in the skills needed to work in the childcare profession. It is a preparation for those who wish to work with young children in a variety of pre-school settings and may also lead to work as a Special Needs Assistant in a school setting. It covers all aspects of childcare and leads to a full Level 5 award suitable for immediate entry into the workplace. There is a Professional Practice Placement module as part of the course, so students will already have practical, hands-on experience when they finish the course.

Course Content

Holistic Care of Children (5N21474); Early Childhood Growth (5N21474); Curriculum Play and Creative Studies (5N21474); Understanding and Assisting Children with Special Needs (5N21474); Child Rights, Legislation and Regulation (5N21474); Professional Practice Placement (5N21474).

Certification

Early Learning and Care Certificate (5M21473)

Duration

1 year – September to May (full-time)

Entry Requirements

All applicants will be interviewed, there is no academic entry requirement. It is desirable that applicants be over 21 years of age.

Career Opportunities

This one year course provides certification at QQI level 5 in early childhood care and education (ECCE). It meets the requirements for the ECCE pre-school programme.

Third Level Links/Progression

There are opportunities to progress to other relevant higher awards in Third Level such as Education and Training (DCU) and Social Care (TU Dublin). For more information, click here

Course Charges

€50 registration fee.

Please note that course fees are subject to change.

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care QQI Award (6M21471)

If you have completed the Stage One in Early Learning and Care, or equivalent* and wish to progress your career in the childcare sector, then this course is for you.

Ideal for those who wish to work as a supervisor or manager within the early education arena, this course equips you with the skills to work well with staff and parents, as well as the children.

Course Content

• Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning & Care
• Supervision and Administration in Early Learning & Care
• Inclusive Early Learning & Care
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• The Developing Child
• Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning & Care

Certification

QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care (6M21471)

Duration

1 year – September to May (full-time)

Entry Requirements

• Education: This is year 2 of the new Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Level 6). Learners can progress to this course if they have already achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or have completed a Level 5 Childcare Award (within the last 5 years).  
• Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
• Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course and be able to exercise initiative and independence when carrying out course activities.

Career Opportunities

The Advanced Certificate in Early Education and Care (Level 6) equips you to work as a Supervisor or Manager in an Early Education and Montessori setting.

Graduates can seek employment in creches, pre-school and after-school facilities.

Third Level Links/Progression

There are opportunities to progress to other relevant higher awards in Third Level such as BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning in NUI Maynooth, and BA in Early Childhood Education in NCI. For more information, click here

Course Charges

€330 or €250 (with valid Medical Card).

This course is free to VTOS applicants, for more information email ciara.bowes@pearse.cdetb.ie

Please note, course fees are subject to change.