Early Learning & Care - Stage 2
If you have completed your Stage 1 in Early Learning and Care or Equivalent and have a passion for working with children and a desire to progress your career, then this is the course for you!
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• QQI Level 5 Major Award in Childcare or equivalent in a related discipline is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
• Applicants must express an interest in learning and practicing new skills.
• Demonstrable interest in working with children.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Basic computer skills desirable.
• Experience working or volunteering in a childcare environment is an advantage but not essential.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the employment opportunities?
The ELC Stage 2 Advanced Certificate equips you to work in Early
Learning and Care and Montessori settings as a Supervisor/Manager.
The current qualification requirement for room leaders is Level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications).
Graduates can seek employment in crèches, pre-school/after school facilities.
There is a strong tradition of graduates of this course gaining employment as Special Needs Assistants in schools.
In addition, this course provides a good platform for studying related degree programmes, which can then be used to apply for postgraduate teaching programmes.
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
Further information
Start Date: 09/09/2024.
Learners on full-time programmes at Kerry College have a number of funding options.
1. DEASP (Department of Employment and Social Protection). Contact your local INTREO office.
2. SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Apply at: www.susi.ie
If eligible, learners may only receive one of these payments while participating on a Kerry College full-time programme.
Learner Allowance
Also known as a Training Allowance.
To avail of a Learner Allowance, an applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying DEASP payment at course start. Allowances/payments are based on attendance and are paid by Kerry College directly to learners for the duration of the course. You may also receive accommodation or travel allowance if you meet the criteria.
back to Education Allowance
To avail of a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) the applicant must apply directly to the DEASP. BTEA is paid by DEASP directly to learners for the academic year. There is no option to receive any other payment or receive an accommodation or travel allowance.
SUSI Grant
SUSI is a maintenance grant available only for courses that are SUSI approved. Payments are made directly to the learner in the form of grants to cover the academic year.
There is no option to receive any other payment or receive an accommodation or travel allowance. A full-list of eligible course along with details on how to apply is available on SUSI.ie.
No Payment
A learner who is not eligible for Learner Payment, BTEA or SUSI may still apply and participate on any Kerry College course.
Courses for employment offer travel or accommodation support payments, if criteria are met.
Funding towards Travel, Accommodation and Meals
At present, learners on courses for progression do not qualify for travel/accommodation/meal payments. These payments relate only to learners on courses for employment. Learners may receive Travel or Accommodation Allowance - but not both. Your payment will be calculated and processed at course registration.
Travel Allowance
A travel allowance is a contribution towards the learner’s cost of travel based on the distance from the learner’s primary place of residence to the campus location.
To qualify, learners must live more than 3 miles/5km away from the campus location they are attending. Travel Allowances are not payable to participants on Night Training courses.
Accommodation Allowance
An accommodation allowance may be paid to learners who need to relocate in order to attend a course for employment.
To qualify, learners must live more than 20 miles/32km away from the campus location they are attending. For up to date information on this, please see: kerrycollege.ie/learner-information
National Childcare Scheme
The NCS (National Childcare Scheme) provides childcare supports for those on full-time education and training programmes. Full details can be found on the www.ncs.gov.ie webpage.
You may apply via your MyGovID account or contact Kerry County Childcare Committee at 066 718 1582 to discuss which childcare supports are available to you.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system. If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Courses for Employment
Become work-ready with our range of employment-focussed education and training programmes.
Why Should I Apply?
Are you interested in developing your knowledge, skills and competencies as an Early Years Practitioner and want to further your opportunities in the ELC sector including potential supervision and room leader roles?
This is year 2 of the new Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Level 6). Learners can progress to this course if they have already achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 1) or if they have gone through the Recognition of Prior Learning process.
The programme aims to meet the requirements of Early Learning and Care supervisors and managers in relation to current Early Years Legislation and Child Protection Legislation. Students are empowered to become professional, reflective practitioners with a holistic approach in Early Childcare and Education.
Students will undertake 150 hours of Professional Practice Placement. The settings will include children of the following ages; birth - 2 years 8 months, and 2 years 8 months to 6 years.
Professional Practice placements must be carried out with an ELC provider currently registered with Tusla.
Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (6C21517)
Supervision & Administration in Early Learning and Care (6C21522)
Inclusive Early Learning and Care (6C21521)
Curriculum & Pedagogy (6C21520)
The Developing Child (6C21519)
Sociology & Social Policy in Early Learning and Care (6C21518)
6M21471 - Early Learning and Care.
Contact the Kerry College Admissions Office on 066 714 9696 or info@kerrycollege.ie