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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.
Early Learning and Care with Special Needs Assisting
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 relevant 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
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 5M 21473 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.
5M21473
Course Fees
€540
Were:
€200
Now:
Course Content
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 5M 21473 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.
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)
About This Course
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.
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.





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