Early Learning and Care with Special Needs Assisting
The Early Learning Care with Special Needs Assisting course equips the learner with the knowledge, experience and practical skills necessary to work in a range of childcare and early years services, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care and into higher education and training.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Minor |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) | Minor | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 Award. Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet these entry requirements.
Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 standard on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages(CEFRL) level.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
This course in early learning and care will give learners a firm foundation in the qualities and skills required for employment in the early learning and care sector.
Progression
At Cavan Institute:
Upon successful completion of Stage 1 of this programme, learners can progress to Stage 2, the level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
Elsewhere:
Graduates are also eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities (please check with the relevant institution regarding local eligibility requirements).
Further information
Course commences in September 2024.
€200.
*The Post Leaving Certificate Government Levy of €200 is removed since 2022.
1. PLC Maintenance Grant
Means-tested maintenance grants are available to eligible students attending approved full-time courses of further education in approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centres, of which Cavan Institute is one.
Applications can be made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie
2. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details.
3. Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
This scheme allows unemployed people aged over 21 to engage in education and training without losing their benefits. It applies to all courses offered at Cavan Institute and applicants must be in receipt of one of a number of social welfare supports for at least six months.
See www.vtos.ie for further details.
4. HEA Fund for Students with Disabilities
The Higher Education Authority’s “Fund for Students with Disabilities” allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities. Applications to the fund are made on behalf of an eligible student by Cavan Institute following an assessment.
How do I Apply?
On-line applications for the 2024/25 academic year are Open.
You can apply for your chosen Cavan Institute course online, by clicking “Apply Online” on our homepage. Please note you may apply to some Cavan Institute courses through the CAO system. (or view Application link above)
June 1st is the closing date for receipt of applications for first round offers. However, applications will be accepted and processed on courses where places are available following this date and second round offers will be made to eligible applicants who apply after that date.
Professional practice placement:
Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in a minimum of two Tusla approved settings:
(1) working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and
(2) working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years. Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement.
NB – It is important to note that the six mandatory programme modules are not accredited awards in their own right. The level 5 QQI certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded on successful completion of all the 6 mandatory programme modules. The Level 5 QQI Component award 5N1786 in Special Needs Assisting will be awarded on successful completion of the module Special Needs Assisting.
The ELC settings include those which cater for children from birth to 2 years 8 months and those which cater for children from 2 years 8 months to 6 years. All early learning and care settings in Ireland require their employees to have a QQI level 5 early learning and care qualification, as a minimum, in line with the legislative requirements for the sector. This qualification allows you to work in a variety of early learning and care settings. NB – It is important to note that the six mandatory programme modules are not accredited awards in their own right. The level 5 certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded on successful completion of all the 6 mandatory programme modules.
Stage 1 -QQI Level 5 ELC certificate on successful completion of year 1:
Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Holistic Care of Children (birth to six years)
Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 (Elective)
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care Stage 1
Certification:
- At the end of stage 1 (year 1) learners will be awarded the embedded award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care upon successful completion of stage 1 of the programme 5M21473 award code.
- The Level 5 QQI Component award in Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 will be awarded on successful completion of the module Special Needs Assisting.
Cavan Institute,
Cathedral Road,
Cavan,
Co. Cavan.
H12 E426
email: admin@cavaninstitute.ie
Tel: +353 49 4332633