The overarching aim of this degree is to foster and develop the knowledge, skills, competencies, and values of emerging Early Years Professionals to be independent and professional educators. The programme aims to meet the criteria for initial professional education, forming graduates who have the expertise to nurture and enrich infants' and young children's lives in early years learning and care settings. Combining theory with professional practice, this applied degree supports graduates to become skilled, competent, ethical, and reflective practitioners. 

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children in a variety of settings. Students will gain an insight into how children learn and develop, through class participation and professional practice placement. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress into higher education and employment.

This qualification focuses on understanding play, child development, and learning within historical and socio-cultural contexts, preparing you for diverse roles in the early childhood sector.

You will explore disciplines like psychology, sociology, education, and health to develop a deep understanding of early childhood development and education.

You will have the opportunity to undertake 150 hours of supervised placement to enhance your academic and practical skills, preparing you for a rewarding career in early childhood settings.

The course enhances your understanding of young children’s play, development, and learning in various contexts. It incorporates local and international perspectives on children’s rights, health, well-being, and diverse pedagogical approaches.

A key feature is the opportunity for you to choose from a number of elective modules;

• Inclusive Education Practice
• Montessori Education
• Provision of School Age Childcare

This two-year course will aim to prepare participants for work with young children in the rapidly expanding world of childcare and crèche supervision/management. The childcare worker needs social, communication and caring skills to work with individuals and groups. Childcare will lay a foundation for these skills and provide the work experience to put learning into practice.

This course will serve as training for crèche/community care/healthcare industries or as a link to childcare or early childhood education courses in many Universities and IT colleges throughout the country and the UK. This programme is ideal for both school leavers and experienced mature persons seeking a formal education.

Are you interested in working as an early learning practitioner? This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work competently, safely and effectively with young children in a childcare setting.

This programme will enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work as an early learning educator, supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years in the early learning and care setting. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training.

Take your passion for working with young children to the next level with the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6. Build on your level 5 qualifications and gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel in the ever-progressing field of ELC.

Building on your level 5 qualifications, the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care focuses on the holistic development and learning of the child. By taking a variety of modules, you’ll have the chance to further develop your knowledge, skills and competencies in the ELC sector, which can open up exciting opportunities for career progression.

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.

The aim of this course is to promote the importance of outdoor learning and play in the field of Early Years Education and to provide learners with the skills and knowledge to effectively facilitate and promote this type of learning.