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 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.

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.

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 program is designed to prepare students for professional roles and management positions within the rapidly growing childcare and early years sectors. By combining academic study with hands-on work experience, the course develops the essential communication, social, and caregiving skills required to support children in crèche and community settings.

This specialized Early Learning and Care (ELC) program focuses on the transformative impact of outdoor learning and nature-based play in early childhood development. It equips educators with the pedagogical tools to facilitate immersive, play-led experiences in natural environments, fostering physical resilience, emotional well-being, and environmental stewardship in young children. It builds the skills to support children's development through inclusive, engaging outdoor experiences.

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.

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 the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to develop the required knowledge, skills and competence in childcare in order to meet the standards set by the awarding body in the award specification for Early Learning and Care. This course provides students with the Level 5 certificate which is required to work in the Childcare sector. QQI results may be used to progress to Third Level education.