This ELC Stage1 programme will provide learners with the knowledge, experience and practical skills necessary to work in a range of Early Years services for children aged 0-6 years. This programme consists of six mandatory modules. The focus is on providing for the holistic well-being, development and learning needs of children from 0 to six years. The programme offers a balance of theory and practice. The award is a professional class major award where learners must complete 150hours professional practice placemen tin a Tusla registered Early Learning and Care setting.

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.

This professional programme enables you to further 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. It facilitates students in acquiring the qualifications necessary for employment in the childcare sector and as Classroom Assistants or Special Needs Assistants.

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 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.

The programme leads to a new award, the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care 6M21471.

NB – It is important to note that the 6 mandatory Programme Modules are not accredited Awards in their own right. The Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care will only be awarded on successful completion of Stage One of the Programme and all of the 6 mandatory Programme Modules in Stage Two.

The Early Learning and Care (Stage 2) course is designed to meet the needs of the growing childcare provision in Ireland and the Siolta Quality Framework and Aistear Curriculum. Many childcare settings are now seeking level 6 qualifications for their employees in line with the requirements of the ECCE scheme and new legislative requirements for the sector.

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 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.

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.

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.