Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
| 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
2 years.
Entry Requirements
Education: Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skills and competences equivalent to NFQ level 4 when accessing a level 5 programme. Prior knowledge or experience of the early learning and care sector is not expected on entry but applicants will be expected to demonstrate an interest in the field. A minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.
Aptitude: The programme is intended for those interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged from 0-6 years, including those who may have an interest in working as an early learning and care practitioner or for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field.
Previous experience: Applicants should have an interest in learning how to care for babies and children, including those who are interested in working in the ELC sector. They must have a motivation to learn and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course. Target applicants include jobseekers, career changers or those interested in working in the sector who want to develop their skills and/or acquire qualifications.
Eligibility: Priority will be given to those with less than upper secondlevel education (Leaving Certificate or equivalent).
Application process includes an interview.
Careers / Further progression
Progression Routes: Graduates of this course can progress directly into employment in the Early Years sector or as an SNA; employment opportunities are available in settings such as playgroups, crèche, pre-school/ after school facilities, nursery, special needs assistant or as a professional private childminder with a family. Alternatively, they can progress onto further education courses with Donegal ETB, or to a higher level course in a third level university.
Further information
Applying for a Course:
If you have any difficulty contacting the relevant person then please contact Donegal ETB’s Adult Guidance and Information Service in Letterkenny (Tel: 074 9178088) or Donegal Town (Tel: 074 9725520).
You can also email adultguidance@donegaletb.ie or complete this web form and our staff will get back to you: https://www.donegaletb.ie/further- education-training/adult-guidance/.
Alternatively, you can apply online through our website course finder, https://www.donegaletb.ie/further-education-training/course-finder/, or through the national FET course finder, www.fetchcourses.ie. If you are in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance, then your DSP Case Officer will be able to refer you to our courses.
Various locations.
This course is free for those who:
— Have less than upper-second level education
— Are in receipt of social welfare payment
— Have a full medical card
— Are in the workforce with low skill levels and who need opportunities to upgrade their skills in order to advance their career
Fees apply to other applicants.
This two year QQI Level 5 major award course is designed for people who are interested in a career in childcare. The programme will provide the required knowledge, skills, and qualification to prepare you for employment in a work setting such as day care, crèche, pre-school/after school facilities, nursery, special needs assistant or as a professional private childminder with a family. The course is focused on developing the skills and competencies required by employers and part of the course requires students to complete relevant work experience. The work placement will provide essential opportunities to link theory to practice under the supervision of an experienced childcare practitioner.
Modules:
— Children's Rights, Legislation and Regulation / 5C21524
— Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies / 5C21527
— Early Childhood Growth and Development / 5C21526
— Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years / 5C21525
— Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care / 5C21523
— Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs / 5C21528
Modules may be subject to change.
5M21473 Early Learning & Care
Contact:
Vivienne Doherty
Tel. 074 9190610