Early Learning & Care
Course Overview
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.
| 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 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
This is a one year course. Classes are Monday-Thursday. Placement on Fridays.
Entry Requirements
- Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent
- Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL). Applicants may wish to participate in a Level 4 Starter Course with English, to prepare them for this Level 5 programme
- Interview
- A desire to work in the sector
- 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.
- "All learners are required to be Garda vetted, by the college, as part of this programme and as part of their work placement in a creche setting. It is important that applicants understand the need for Garda clearance in order to progress in this course".
Careers / Further progression
Careers and Opportunities
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the programme as Early Years Assistants in a range of early learning and care settings both community-based and private.
Further Study Opportunities
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, Level 6 Cathal Brugha FET College
Early Childhood Teaching and Learning BA Level 8 Maynooth University
Early Childhood Care and Education BA Level 8 TU, Tallaght
BA in Early Childhood Education, Level 8 in NCI
BA in Early Years Care Education, Level 7 in AU Athlone
Further information
Commencing September 2024
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
The college welcomes applications from qualified international applicants. Non-EU learners whose visas do not confer access to publicly funded education may be required to pay a course fee of €3654 for their course if eligible. For further details, please contact the college. Applicants who are in the international protection system and have been granted permission to work are not eligible for the €3654 non-EU fees. Applicants will be required to provide proof of their immigration status (eg. GNIB card, permission to work letter issued by the Department of Justice) as part of the enrolment process.
MATURE STUDENTS
The number of mature students attending Further Education courses in Marino College is increasing each year and at present constitutes a significant proportion of our total numbers. Mature students are very welcome and Learner Supports will pay particular attention to their learning needs.
Course fees for PLCs are now €50
Student Grants
Eligible students can apply for a SUSI Grant to assist with course costs. Please contact SUSI.ie for further information.
Back to Education Allowance
Eligible students can avail of the Back to Education Allowance which enables students to retain their benefit payment while studying. Please contact your local INTREO office or welfare.ie for further information.
Apply online via link above.
This programme will enable learners to develop the knowledge, skill 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.
Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
Holistic Care of Children 0-6 years
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Note: In order to progress to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, Level 6, learners must successfully achieve all of the Level 5 programme modules.
Professional practice placement:
Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in each year in a minimum of two 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
Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year.
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care Stage 1
Award: QQI Level 5 Early Learning & Care 5M21473
North Strand Campus
171 North Strand Road, Dublin 1, D01 Y160
T: 01 855 7116
F: 01 855 4064