Early Childhood
This certificate is relevant for anyone interested in young children’s learning and development, including practitioners working in early-years settings or those wanting a career working with children from birth to seven years.
| Award Name | Certificate of Higher Education at UK Level 4 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Higher Education at UK Level 4 | Open University |
Duration
Part time – 2 years
Full time – 1 year
Time limit – 4 years
Study method: Distance learning
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.
You do not need to be working with young children in order to study this qualification; however, in both core practice-focused modules we strongly recommend you gain direct experience with young children (birth to 7 years).
Students not working with young children (employed or in a voluntary capacity) will need to negotiate opportunities to gain such practical experience. It is your responsibility and that of your employer – not the OU’s - to ensure the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent if not working in England) required for the setting and country in which you’re working is obtained and that you meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for work with young children. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, contact the relevant agency in your country.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
This CertHE is relevant for existing early years practitioners (normally with Level 3 early years qualification) or those interested in finding out more about young children’s learning and development. It provides a foundation for entry to a range of careers working with and for young children and their families. It is also suitable for those wanting to move into careers in teaching, health or social work.
England only: please note that if a Level 3 early years qualification is not held on entry, this course is not deemed ‘full and relevant’ to enable you to count in the staff:child ratios at Level 3.
Scotland only: please note that this course does not lead to registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a day care of children services worker (support worker or practitioner).
GCSE passes at Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths are normally required for postgraduate study and for teaching, a GCSE Grade 4 (C) pass in Science is also a requirement.
Further information about Early Years qualifications and the requirements for professional registration in Early Years and Childcare can be found:
• For England, on the Department for Education (DfE) website
• For Wales, on the Care Council Wales (CCW) website
• For Scotland, on the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) website
• For Northern Ireland, on the Department of Education (DENI) website.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
Certificate of Higher Education in Early Childhood
This certificate is relevant for anyone interested in young children’s learning and development, including practitioners working in early-years settings or those wanting a career working with children from birth to seven years. In this certificate, you'll develop your understanding of policy and practice in early childhood. It will prepare you to engage with further study as a foundation for careers working with young children and their families across all sectors.
Key features of the course
• Develops your understanding of young children’s learning and development.
• Focuses on young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings.
• Includes national and international perspectives on early childhood.
• Builds a solid foundation for further study.
This certificate of higher education is also equivalent to the first third of the BA (Honours) Early Childhood (Q89).
This qualification has one stage comprising 120 credits.
• In Stage 1, you’ll study two modules that explore how children learn; and the importance of children’s play.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.