Early Learning & Care - Advanced - Stage 1
The Early Learning & Care award which is the milestone for the new professional standard award for the Early Years sector. This is a 2 year programme (Year 1 only available at the West Cork Campus) with the opportunity to progress to Advanced Certificate at Level 6 in the Morrison’s Island Campus Cork. Learners can progress to the ELC Level 6 award if they have achieved the ELC Level 5 award or if they have gone through an RPL (recognised prior learning) process. There is a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care, which can be achieved if learners exit the programme after 1 year.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year.
Careers / Further progression
Progressions:
After completing Year 1, graduates can progress to Year 2 Advanced Certificate at Morrison’s Island Campus (Cork).
UCC – Early Years & Childhood Studies (CK111)
MTU (Cork) – Early Childhood Education & Care (MT572)
MTU (Cork) – Montessori Education (MT970)
SETU (Waterford) – Early Childhood Care & Education (SE911)
Excellent progression opportunities to UCC and other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Kerry and SETU(Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrisons Island locations. See Progressions for details.
Careers
After Year 1 students will have a Professional Qualification in Early Learning Care Level 5. After Year 2 (not offered at the West Cork Campus) students will have a Professional Qualification in Early Learning Care Level 6. Students can work in pre-schools and crèches and can work as a Child Minder in the home.
Further information
€300 including QQI examination fees. (Medical card holders exempt from QQI examination fee of €50)
Fees for 2023/24 are being updated.
PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme
Maintenance grants are available to adults and post-leaving cert students who are progressing to a QQI Level 5/6 Award or equivalent, and who have not previously studied for such an award. The amount of the grant depends on the distance a student travels from their place of residence to the College. Visit www.susi.ie for more information.
Yes
For the first time in the history of the ELC sector, the workforce will have access to a suite of professional awards from entry level qualifications at Level 5 to honours degree level, that recognise the value of professionals at all these levels working in ELC settings across the country.
It will prepare graduate for a profession which requires a strong commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development to meet the dynamic and evolving nature of the context and demands of professional practice in early childhood education and care.
Features
Students will undertake 150 hours of Professional Practice in a minimum of 2 early Years of Early Years settings per annum. The settings will include birth -2 yrs 8 months, and 2 yrs 8 months to 6 years. All Professional Practice placements must be carried out with an ELC provider currently registered with TUSLA. Learners must be garda vetted before going on the placement. Learners must complete the current Children First E-Learning programme before going on placement.
Childcare seminars and conferences
Practical workshops in Siolta and Aistear
Child Protection training
Professional Guest Lectures
Educational Field Trips
Yr 1 (Embedded Level 5 certificate)
5C21523:Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and care – The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and competence to work in a professional capacity under supervision, to understand the role of an Early Learning and Care professional and the importance of Personal and Professional Development in the ELC World. The learner will learn how to engage in Professional Development Planning, Research skills, Academic Writing skills, Digital skills and Interview skills. They will also work under supervision demonstrating the required competence, values and work practices to build reciprocal, responsive and respectful working relationships with all stakeholders in the best interest of babies, toddlers and young children.
5C21524: Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation:- The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to Children’s Rights such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Essential Legislation and Constitutional Protections for Children, Regulations, as well as Frameworks such as Aistear and Siolta, enabling them to work effectively under direction with children, their families and all stakeholders within a range of ELC settings. The Learner will learn how to, for example, explore the rights of children and their families as underpinned by national and international developments in order to inform best practice, review of experiences that promote children’s holistic development, and identify current child protection legislation.
5C21526: Early Childhood Growth and Development:- The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to growth and development in early childhood, linking theory with practice to support holistic development and inclusive learning. Learners will learn how to explain the main stages and patterns of holistic child development from 0-6 years, outline a range of theories of child development and learning, describe factors that may influence or impact a child’s development and learning, explore the contribution of families and other adults to the development and learning of the child, carry out observations informed by principles of child development in consultation with stakeholders to support programme planning in line with current legislation guidelines and frameworks.
5C21527: Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies:- The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and competence to engage with curricular approaches, through mediums of play and creative opportunities, encompassing diversity, identity and cultural contexts within the world of Early Years Education. The learner will learn how to facilitate creative opportunities such as art, music and drama as well as plan experiences and activities with regard to the age and development of the child.
5C21528: Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs:- The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with an introduction to the knowledge and skills relevant to the theory and practice of inclusive education and care of children with additional needs in the early learning and care (ELC) setting, looking at the rights of children with additional needs and those of their families and relevant legislation and best practice guidelines. The Learner will learn how to create an accessible, inclusive experience for the child with additional needs in the ELC setting in line with best practice guidelines and framework, Explore the importance of working as part of a team, as well as engage in reflective practice.
5C21525: Holistic Care of Children (birth to six yrs):- The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with knowledge, skills and competence required for the holistic care, wellbeing, safety and health of babies, toddlers and young children in the ELC setting, through a balance of theory and hands on practical skills needed for ELC. The Learner will learn how to explain the key care routines, Implement a range of practice skills to provide for the care, health, wellbeing and safety of babies, toddlers and young children in ELC as well as apply the relevant legislation, regulations, frameworks, policies and procedures which impact the holistic well-being of children in their care
5M21473
Professional Award (2 year Level 6) in Early Learning and Care with embedded level 5 award after one year
Manual handling training and certification (requirement for work experience)
QQI Component Maths 5N1833 (available as option in evening for learners requiring Maths for progression)
Certification:
Professional Award (2 year Level 6) in Early Learning and Care with embedded level 5 award after one year
Subject to validation by QQI
Manual handling training and certification (requirement for work experience)
QQI Component Maths 5N1833 (available as option in evening for learners requiring Maths for progression)
For further information email:
wccchildcare@ccoc.ie
(028) 21644