Do you want to further develop your experience and knowledge in the childcare sector? Do you want the opportunity to become a room leader/supervisor in a creche?

This Advanced Certificate course will give you the skills to work effectively and confidently within a childcare setting. You will gain a deeper understanding of the early learning environment and develop skills to work well with staff and parents as well as children.

Within the college year, students are required to reach 150 hours of Practice placement; this will include block weeks at various times throughout the year.

This two-year professional programme enables you to develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years and facilitates suitable adults in acquiring the qualifications necessary for employment in the childcare sector and as Classroom Assistants or Special Needs Assistants.

This course gives students the most up-to-date knowledge and practical skills that employers expect today for working with young children and babies.

In 1 year, you will be qualified to work in a variety of early learning and care settings for young children as a Childcare Assistant, and as an Independent You can work in creches, playschools, after-school care, montessori groups, ECCE community creches, Naíonraí, Forest pre- schools, your own home, or a child’s family home.

The aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to develop the required knowledge, skills and competence in childcare in order to meet the standards set by the awarding body in the award specification for Early Learning and Care. This course provides students with the Level 5 certificate which is required to work in the Childcare sector. QQI results may be used to progress to Third Level education.

The aim of the Stage 1 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work independently and as part of a team, subject to direction and practice supervision, as a member of the early learning and care community of practice, providing holistic care and learning experiences for children from 0-6 years across a range of early learning and care settings.

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 Certificate in Early Learning and Care is the professional award required for entry into the early learning and care sector. This programme through a balance of theory and practical opportunities enriches the personal and professional development of the learner in preparation of the Early Years Educator role (NFQ Level 5).

Throughout the course, learners will work under supervision demonstrating the required competencies, values and work practices to build reciprocal, responsive and respectful working relationships with all stakeholders in the best interest of babies, toddlers and young children.