Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This specialized Early Learning and Care (ELC) program focuses on the transformative impact of outdoor learning and nature-based play in early childhood development. It equips educators with the pedagogical tools to facilitate immersive, play-led experiences in natural environments, fostering physical resilience, emotional well-being, and environmental stewardship in young children. It builds the skills to support children's development through inclusive, engaging outdoor experiences.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation 5C21524
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies 5C21527
Early Childhood Growth and Development 5C21526
Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years 5C21525
Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care 5C21523
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs 5C21528
Lowland Leadership 5N21743
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course results in a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a direct progression route, click below:
QQI Code
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
A professional qualification in ELC is required to work in the childcare area. The successful candidate would be qualified to work as an early years practitioner. After schools practitioner, AIM’s practitioner roles may also be available to qualified practitioners.