The Early Learning and Care course is designed to equip the learner with the personal skills, knowledge and competence required for working with children in a professional manner, within Early Childhood Care and Education settings. The course aims to equip the learner with the necessary skills required for assisting children with General Learning Difficulties (GLD) and Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD). This course promotes the highest standards of good practice, equality of opportunity, an inclusive approach to curriculum development and respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion, and culture.

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.

This one-year full time programme leads to an Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Stage 2) and is designed to meet the professional award standards for early learning and care at NFQ level 6.The aim of this one-year full time programme is to equip the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to work as autonomous practitioners in an ELC setting and/or take responsibility for an area or room, leading and coordinating the provision of a quality early learning and care environment.The focus is on promoting the holistic well-being, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of ELC settings. The programme offers a balance of theory and practice, and professional practice placement is integral to the teaching and learning. Learners who successfully complete the programme will have opportunities to progress into the work place or into further and higher education.

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.

The programme is designed to meet the professional award standards for early learning and care at NFQ level 5. The programme comprises six mandatory modules which equips the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to work at entry level across a range of early learning and care settings or to progress to stage 2 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care or to a relevant higher Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care education programme. The focus is on providing for the holistic well-being, development and learning needs of children from 0 to six years across a range of ELC settings. The programme offers a balance of theory and practice, and professional practice placement is integral to the teaching and learning.

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.