Learners will be provided with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to act in a supervisory role in a range of Early Years services for children aged 0-6years.

This is year 2 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Leaming and Care(Level6). Leamers will be provided with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to act in a supervisory role in a range of Early Years services for children aged 0-6years. Learners will possess the knowledge, skills and competence to function as autonomous practitioners and assume responsibility for a designated room or area within an Early Learning and Care (ELC) setting.

Successful learners can also progress into higher education to complete a QQI Level 7/8 BA in Early Years Care & Education. Students of this course have been successful in applying for advanced entry to the second year of some Higher Education Institutions.

The programme is aimed at learners who wish to extend their knowledge, skills and competencies, and are interested in a career in Early Learning and Care with children aged from 0 to six years old, including those who may have an interest in working as Room Leaders/ Supervisors in Early Learning & Care settings.

Entry Requirements: Applicants for this course must have successfully achieved a Level 5 award in Early Learning & Care or equivalent.

This is Stage Two of a Two Stage Programme.

The overall aim of the two stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC setting*.

This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training.

This Advanced QQI Childcare Level 6 ELC Certificate is designed with Early Years Educators/Lead Educators, and the children they will engage with in mind. The aim of the programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as an Early Years Educator and/or Lead Educator, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and to take responsibility for a room or area within an Early Learning and Care setting.

The overall aim of the two stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC setting.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in childcare and early years services? Throughout this Early Learning and Care course, you’ll gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience that will prepare you to work with children aged 0-6 and promote their holistic development. This award also opens up opportunities for you to progress to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care and further and Higher education and training.

This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training, and to Stage Two of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

The overall aim of the two-stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC setting. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training.

The current qualification requirement for room leaders is Level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications.) Qualifications for different roles in ELC may be subject to change in line with evolving national policy.

This Advanced Certificate course supports learners gain knowledge and practical skills to be successful in a career in a variety of Early Years settings. Additionally, this programme includes modules for Special Needs Assisting.

The course provides opportunities to work as a Special Needs Assistant or personal carer in a variety of Early Childhood Care and Education settings including: Full Day Care, Pre-School, Primary and Secondary schools.

This four-year degree will expose you to interdisciplinary perspectives from the Schools of Applied Psychology, Applied Social Studies and Education. The curriculum emphasises academic theory, research skills, and professional and reflective practice. It includes a broad range of perspectives on childhood, the child in society, child development, early years care and education, and child health.