Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
This 1-year course is for students interested in working with children, childhood education & development, with practical work experience.
| 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 full-time.
Entry Requirements
Standard minimum entry requirements for all courses in BCFE:
• Minimum statutory school leaving age (16+)
• CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 and Level 6 courses for those whose first language is not English.
• Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees. Please refer to Information for international students.
• A PPS number is required for registration. Please refer to How to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number.
• The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+)
Minimum entry requirements for all level 5 courses
• QQI Level 4 award or equivalent
• Five O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate.
Careers / Further progression
Progression Opportunities
• Graduates who successfully pass can progress into Advanced Early Learning & Care Level 6
• Top-up to a Level 8 degree in two years (after Level 6) under the new CAO direct progression pathway for the Childcare sector.
• Advanced entry to Level 8 Degree in Early Childhood Studies (e.g. Maynooth University) is available for some QQI graduates in the National Higher Links Scheme.
Career Opportunities
• Graduates who successfully complete the QQI Level 5 in Early Learning and Care (Childcare) get work immediately as Childcare assistants or Room Leaders in crèches, playschools, after-school care, montessori groups, ECCE community creches, Naíonraí, and Forest pre-schools. Graduates also work as independent registered childminders.
• Graduates of Level 6 work as Team Leaders in a variety of early learning and care settings
• Graduates of Level 8 degree work as Managers and Curriculum developers in a variety of early learning and care settings. They also work as advisors in government and voluntary organisations, and as child advocates. They lead and shape the early learning and care profession.
Further information
Commencing September 2024.
• International Applicants
• Mature Students
• VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) funded applicants
• BTEA (Back to Education Allowance) funded applicants
Sources of Funding:
- PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme Refer to www.susi.ie
- VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) Refer to www.gov.ie/vtos
- BTEA (Back to Education Allowance) Refer to www.welfare.ie
- SOLAS Fund for Students with Disabilities Refer to www.solas.ie and guidance notes on www.bcfe.ie
Applications and Admissions Process 2024/25:
All applications to Ballyfermot Campus will be accepted after the 6th November 2023 and the closing date for receipt of applications directly to Ballyfermot Campus is the 27th of September 2024. Applications received after this date will be processed as late applications in accordance with the Admissions Policy of Ballyfermot Campus.
Apply Online (see "Application Weblink").
For further details on admissions:
Tel: (01) 6269421
Email: info@bcfe.cdetb.ie
Why Choose Early Learning & Care?
This new course gives students the most up-to-date knowledge and practical skills that employers expect today for working with young children and babies.
In 1 year, you will be qualified to work in a variety of early learning and care settings for young children as a Childcare Assistant, and as an Independent You can work in creches, playschools, after-school care, Montessori groups, ECCE community creches, Naíonraí, Forest pre- schools, your own home, or a child’s family home.
Placement involves 6 weeks of work placement which is central to learning and This is 1 day per week all year, and 2 blocks of two-weeks each where you are fully immersed in your work placement. Placements include creches, playschools, after-school care, Montessori groups, ECCE community creches, Naíonraí, Forest pre- schools, and child advocacy organisations.
What Will You Study?
• Early Childhood Growth and Development (5C21526)
• Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (5C21523)
• Holistic Care of Children 0-6 years (5C21525)
• Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulations (5C21524)
• Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies (5C21527)
• Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs (5C21528).
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Award Year 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care (5M21473)
Course Facilities
• A NEW dedicated Early Learning and Care Suite offering students an authentic and engaging environment to develop as a student and as a practitioner. This matches the workplace environment and practice of for working with babies, toddlers, and young children.
Course Features
• A Specialist Teaching Suite developed for this course
• Expert Creche Manager leading workplace learning and support
• Authentic and engaging creche environment to develop your skills
• 6 weeks work experience
• Active and practical student-led learning
• Committed experienced teachers support you in small class.
• Class Outings enrich your work experience, your learning, activity and are fun!
• Visits can be to indoor and outdoor childcare services to see their work, and trips to community spaces just like staff in creches do.
Ballyfermot College of Further Education,
Ballyfermot Road,
Ballyfermot,
Dublin 10
Phone: +353-1-6298500
Email: info@bcfe.cdetb.ie