Early Learning & Care
This one-year full time Early Learning and Care programme is offered as Stage 1 of the 2-stage Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. It offers students the opportunity to work in a variety of Early Years settings for children from babies to six years of age.
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
- Course entry is subject to interview to describe desire to work in the Early Years Sector.
- Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent.
- Applicants whose first language is not English will require a competency to level B2 on the CEFRLO framework.
- Mature learners welcome. Where an applicant does not have a Leaving Cert or Level 4, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the course in an interview and by writing a short piece outlining their interest in a career in early learning and care.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the childcare programme as Early Years Teachers in a range of early learning and care settings with opportunities to progress to Room Leader (on achievement of full Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care).
Progression
This course will prepare graduates for a profession which requires a strong commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development to meet the dynamic and evolving nature of both the ELC context and demands of professional practice in Early Learning and Care settings. Graduates who achieve the required standard may progress to further studies in:
Dundrum College of Further Education: Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Level 6 – Code: 6M21471
TU Dublin, TU790 Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and TU995 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education
NCI, BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care – (advanced entry to Year 2 with Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care)
DCU, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Code: DC001
NUIM, BA (Honours) Early Childhood Teaching and Learning Code: MH8004
St Nicholas Montessori, B Ed in Montessori Education – Code: NM701 and B Ed (Honours) in Montessori Education- Code: NM801
Further information
Applications for September 2024 Now Open.
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time third-level education in Ireland and also, in some cases, funding for students studying outside of Ireland. Support is available to all types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education. www.susi.ie
1. Choose Your Course
To help choose your course:
- Visit our Programme Advisory Video on our website
- Read this prospectus or visit our website
- Visit the College (Advisory Meetings, Open Days, College Awareness Week)
- Talk to our Guidance Counsellor or Course Coordinator
2. Make Your Application:
When you have decided on your course(s) you should:
- Complete our online application form. You must have a valid email address, mobile number, and your PPSN number to apply online.
- All applications are acknowledged through our online Enrol system. The status of your application can be tracked 24/7 by logging into your Enrol account, which is created for you when you first apply.
3. Advisory Meeting
- Soon after making your online application you will receive an email and text from the College inviting you to view our online Information Session, or attend one of our regular Open Advisory Meetings where any questions can be answered in person.
- Admission to courses are advisory in nature, though some entry criteria apply to all our courses. Leaving Cert/Leaving Cert Applied or its equivalent is normally a requirement, though the College can look at individual cases where criteria may not be met. The advisory meeting also ensures that mature students (over 23) are matched to the right course.
- Following this session/advisory meeting, you will receive an email with details on how to accept your place on the course.
4. Accept Your Place
When you decide to accept your place:
- A non-refundable deposit of €50 can be made by credit or debit card through the Website. The College is a cashless centre and will not normally accept cash or cheques. If you have any issues making your payment please contact the college.
5. Registration and Induction
- Induction and orientation sessions take place at the commencement of courses in September.
- The College will notify applicants of induction and commencement dates, details of fees and the academic calendar.
This one-year full time Early Learning and Care programme is offered as Stage 1 of the 2-stage Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. It offers students the opportunity to work in a variety of Early Years settings for children from babies to six years of age. This would include creches, preschools and Naíonraí. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress in further and higher education and Training. In addition to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Students will also benefit from the following:
Lamh Training
Introduction to Autism
Erasmus + opportunities
Group trips
Completion of 150 work placement with children aged between 0-6 years
Friendly teachers who are available for academic support
In College library where students can borrow ELC books for the academic year
Core Modules:
- Professional Practice Placement in ELC
- Children’s Rights Legislation and Regulation
- Early Childhood Growth and Development
- Curriculum Play and Creative Studies
- Holistic Care of Children (0-6)
- Understanding & Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.
Work Experience
150 hours of professional practice placement with children aged 0- 2 years 8 months, and 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement and provide two references for verification by the college.
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Certification: QQI Level 5 Early Learning and Care – 5M21473.
Dundrum College of Further Education,
Dundrum Main Street,
Dundrum,
Dublin 14,
D14 HD83
Email: info@dcfe.ie
Tel: +353 1 298 5412