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Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level

Duration: One Year Full-Time - September to May

Coordinator: Niamh Seery

Email: niamhseery@scfe.ie

If you are passionate about working with young children and have already completed level 5 Early Learning and Care, this course can help further develop your skills and knowledge in this ever-progressing area of care and education.
You will develop your knowledge, skills and competence providing for the possibility of further opportunities in the ELC sector including potential supervision and room leader roles. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training.

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Professional Practice Placement

  • Learners must complete 150 hours professional practice placement in a Tusla registered Early Learning and Care setting. You will be required to conduct this placement with two age groups: (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.

Employment and Career Opportunities

There are employment opportunities for graduates of the advanced programme to progress to Room Leader in a range of early learning and care settings both community-based and private.

Special Needs Assisting in primary schools and early learning and care settings

First Aid Training

Trip to Go Quest Team building day

Trip to the Lexicon Library in Dun Laoghaire

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

See more testimonials

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
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.

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

Course Content

Modules Year 2

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

In order to progress to Year 2 of the course, learners must successfully achieve all of programme learning outcomes associated with Year 1.

Additional training

  • Accredited Training in Lámh Sign Language
  • Child Protection Training
  • Occupational First Aid
  • Certificate in Manual Handling

Course Features & Facilities

  • Opportunity to participation in an Erasmus+ programme to Norway
  • Use of specialised equipment and materials as required in an Early Learning Environment
  • Workshops in the five main Montessori disciplines: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial and Cultural
  • Practical Workshops in our national frameworks – Síolta and Aistear
  • Interactive sessions using art, drama and music
  • Practical demonstrations in care routines and use of early childhood materials
  • Educational outings, field trips and guest speakers
  • Access to fully equipped IT suites and library Course Content

Erasmus +

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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)
  • 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.

Other Courses

Course modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change