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This two-year Early Learning and Care programme will provide learners with the knowledge skills and competencies associated with the practical, social and legal aspects of the early learning and care profession.
Early Learning and Care Stage 1
5M21473

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.
Further Study
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 particular institution regarding local eligibility requirements).
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.
Certification
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded to graduates upon successful completion of stage 2 (year 2) of this programme. Learners who wish to exit the award at the end of stage 1 (year 1) will be awarded the embedded award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care upon successful completion of stage 1 of the programme.
Award code: 5M21473
5M21473
Course Fees
€540
Were:
€200
Now:
Course Content
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded to graduates upon successful completion of stage 2 (year 2) of this programme. Learners who wish to exit the award at the end of stage 1 (year 1) will be awarded the embedded award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care upon successful completion of stage 1 of the programme.
Award code: 5M21473
Stage 1 -embedded Level 5 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)
Stage 2 - advanced certificate upon successful completion of year 2
Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
The Developing Child
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Inclusive Early Learning and Care
Supervision and Administration Skills in Early Learning and Care
About This Course
This two-year Early Learning and Care programme will provide learners with the knowledge skills and competencies associated with the practical, social and legal aspects of the early learning and care profession. Learners who wish to exit the award at stage 1 will be awarded the embedded award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473. As part of the early learning and care programme, learners undertake extensive professional practice placement (150 hours) in at least two early learning and care settings at both stage 1 and stage 2. 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.





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