Early Learning and Care Stage 1

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (More about QQI)

Accredited Training in

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

Are you interested in pursuing a career in childcare and early years services? Throughout this Early Learning and Care course, you’ll gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience that will prepare you to work with children aged 0-6 and promote their holistic development. This award also opens up opportunities for you to progress to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care and further and Higher education and training.

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
  • Police clearance required where a person has lived in a country other than Ireland for longer than 6 consecutive months

Employment Opportunities:

Learners exiting the programme after completing Stage 1 with a QQI Level 5 award in Early Learning Care can progress to employment in a range of early years settings such as;

  • Montessori Pre Schools and Schools
  • Private Crèches
  • Community Playgroups
  • Primary Schools – Early Start Schools
  • Centres offering ECCE (free pre-school years)
  • Outdoor Preschool/Forest School

Duration: One Year Full-Time - September to May

Coordinator: Caroline Regan

Email: carolineregan@scfe.ie

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Course content

  • Professional Practice Placement 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

Course features and facilities

  • 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
  • Mindfulness in the classroom
  • 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
  • Fully equipped Early Childhood Education and Care classroom
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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)
  • 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.

Testimonials

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“This course is a great course for anyone who wishes to work in the early years sector.  You are given the opportunity to go on work placement and get an idea of what it is like to work with children.  I really enjoyed this course. Throughout the year I developed many skills and learned a lot about myself.  After doing this course I have decided to come back to do my Level 6 to further develop my education.  I would really recommend Sallynoggin College of Further Education, the staff are extremely kind, helpful and supportive and it is a great college to attend.”

Sarah Carroll, Student Early Learning and Care

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Other courses

Education progression

Below are some examples of progression options with this QQI level 5 award in Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2009
TU Dublin City CentreEarly Childhood Education GLevel 8TU995

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

For more progression options

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DCUEducation and Training GLevel 8DC235
DCUEarly Childhood Education GLevel 8DC001
Marino Institute of EducationEarly Childhood Education GLevel 8CM020
Marino Institute of EducationEducation Studies GLevel 8CM010
UCDArtsLevel 8DN520
UCDHumanitiesLevel 8DN530
UCDSocial SciencesLevel 8DN700
UCDPsychologyLevel 8DN720
UCDSocial Policy and SociologyLevel 8DN750
TU Dublin Blanch/TallaghtEarly Childhood Care and Education GLevel 7TU790
TU Dublin Blanch/TallaghtEarly Childhood Care and Education GLevel 8TU989
TU Dublin BlanchardstownApplied Social Studies in Social Care GLevel 7TU791
TU Dublin BlanchardstownApplied Social Studies in Social Care GLevel 8TU991
TU Dublin BlanchardstownCommunity and Youth Development GLevel 7TU792
TU Dublin BlanchardstownCommunity and Youth Development GLevel 8TU992
TU Dublin TallaghtApplied Social Care GLevel 8TU997
Maynooth UniversityCommunity and Youth Work G+Level 8MH116
Maynooth UniversityEarly Childhood Teaching &Learning GLevel 8MH003
Maynooth UniversityCommunity and Youth Work G+ (Part-time In Service)Level 8MH802
South East TUEarly Childhood Education &Practice GLevel 8CW748
Direct Application (Non CAO courses) – Private Colleges (Fees Payable)
Portobello InstituteMontessori TeachingLevel 6
+ Questionnaire / Skills Test and Interview G Garda Vetting Required

Course modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change