Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6

Take your passion for working with young children to the next level with the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 6. Build on your level 5 qualifications and gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel in the ever-progressing field of ELC.

Building on your level 5 qualifications, the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care focuses on the holistic development and learning of the child.  By taking a variety of modules, you’ll have the chance to further develop your knowledge, skills and competencies in the ELC sector, which can open up exciting opportunities for you in roles like supervision and room leader positions*

Plus, the QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care also provides a clear pathway for you to progress into further and higher education and training.

*The current qualification requirement for room leaders is level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications) Qualification requirements may be subject to change in line with evolving national requirements.

Course content

  • The Developing Child
  • Inclusive Early Learning and Care
  • Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Advanced Professional Practice Placement
  • Supervision and Administration
  • Sociology and Social Policy

Course features and facilities

Course Features

  • Accredited Training in Lámh Sign Language
  • Child Protection Training
  • Occupational First Aid
  • Certificate in Manual Handling
  • Opportunity to participation in an Erasmus+ programme to Norway
  • Practical Workshops in our national frameworks – Síolta and Aistear
  • Interactive sessions using art, drama and music
  • Educational outings, field trips and guest speakers
  • Workshops in the five main Montessori disciplines: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial and Cultural

Course  Facilities

  • Use of specialised equipment and materials as required in an Early Learning Environment
  • Practical demonstrations in care routines and use of early childhood materials

Entry requirements

  • QQI award in Early Learning and Care stage 1 5M21473
  • If you have completed Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2007 within the last 5 years and show an interest in working in the sector advanced entry to stage 2 is possible.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
  • Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL)

Upskilling to a QQI Level 6 Childcare qualification in Sallynoggin College has enabled me to ensure I am right up to date with the delivery of Aistear – the National Curriculum Framework and Síolta the National Quality Framework and all other legislation required to provide a high quality childcare service.
Averil Ryan Owner/Manager Tiny Tots Childcare service

Education progression

Below are some examples of progression options with this QQI level 6 award in Early Childhood Care and Education 6M2007
TU Dublin City Centre Early Childhood Education G Level 8 TU995

For a more detailed list of progression options please www.cao.ie

For more progression options

DCU Education and Training G Level 8 DC235
DCU Early Childhood Education G Level 8 DC001
TU Dublin Blanch/Tallaght Early Childhood Care and Education G Level 7 TU790
TU Dublin Blanch/Tallaght Early Childhood Care and Education G Level 8 TU989
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Applied Social Studies in Social Care G Level 7 TU791
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Applied Social Studies in Social Care G Level 8 TU991
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Community and Youth Development G Level 7 TU792
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Community and Youth Development G Level 8 TU992
TU Dublin Tallaght Applied Social Care G Level 8 TU997
Maynooth University Community and Youth Work G+ Level 8 MH116
Maynooth University Early Childhood Teaching &Learning G Level 8 MH003
Maynooth University Community and Youth Work G+ (Part-time In Service) Level 8 MH802
South East TU Early Childhood Education &Practice G Level 8 CW748
Direct Application (Non CAO courses) – Private Colleges (Fees Payable)
Portobello Institute Montessori Teaching Level 6
+ Questionnaire / Skills Test and Interview G Garda Vetting Required Advanced Entry Graduates of this QQI Level 6 course may also be considered for advanced entry to related degree programmes. Students may be eligible to progress to the second year of a course where they fulfil the college’s entry requirements.

Course modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change