The Advanced Childhood Early Learning & Care course seeks to extend students knowledge in theoretical approaches and provides learners with the skills needed to work as a room leader/supervisor in a childcare setting.

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.

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.

This Advanced Certificate course supports learners gain knowledge and practical skills to be successful in a career in a variety of Early Years settings. Additionally, this programme includes modules for Special Needs Assisting.

The course provides opportunities to work as a Special Needs Assistant or personal carer in a variety of Early Childhood Care and Education settings including: Full Day Care, Pre-School, Primary and Secondary schools.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.