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 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.

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.

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.