Early Learning & Care - Advanced - Stage 1
The aim of this programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skill and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in the early learning and care setting.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| 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 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent.
Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL).
A desire to work in the sector
Mature learners welcome.
Where an applicant does not have a Leaving Cert or Level 4, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the course in an interview and by writing a short piece outlining their interest in a career in early learning and care.
Careers / Further progression
Career Prospects
This course in Early Learning and Care will give learners a firm foundation in the qualities and skills required for employment in the early learning and care sector.
Additionally, learners will be equipped with the knowledge, skill and competence in the practices and principles underpinning the role of a Special Needs Assistant
MI Progression
Upon successful completion of Stage 1 of this programme, learners can progress to Stage 2, the level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care at Monaghan Institute.
Degree Progression
There are many degree options available from this course, including:
College Course Area Level
Maynooth University Early Childhood Teaching and Learning 8
TU Dublin (Tallaght) Early Childhood Care and Education 8
DkIT Early Childhood Studies 8
St. Angela’s College Special Education Needs for Special Needs Assistants 7
Further information
QQI Exam Fee € 50.00
Administration Fee € 50.00
Capitation Fee €100.00
Good News Regarding Your Course Fees 2022-2023
In August 2022, Monaghan Institute and CMETB announced plans to significantly reduce fees on full time courses. This means that your course fees have been reduced to a maximum of €200. If you have a Medical Card/Social Welfare Payment, the fee will be €150. This fee includes all course materials, exam fees, toolkits, and uniforms.
Additional courses:
First Aid Responder, and Handling and Lifting course fees of €240 are also fully funded by Monaghan Institute and CMETB.
Full-time learners may be eligible to apply for PLC maintenance grants, which are means tested. For further details, visit www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie where applications can be made online or downloaded.
You can apply online now. Applications close in October each year and reopen for the next academic year in January.
Monaghan Institute operates a policy of selection and admission of learners that is, at all stages and in all ways, equitable, transparent and accountable and respects the rights and dignity of applicants. The process for gaining access to full time courses at Monaghan Institute consists of several sequential stages:
Application
Interview (where applicable)
Selection and notification
Registration
Induction (where applicable)
Garda Vetting (where applicable)
Monaghan Institute operates under the CMETB FET Admissions Policy, which is available on our Policies page.
Is this course right for you?
This is Stage 1 of a 2 year professional programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6, and 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 an embedded award, a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473, which can be achieved if learners exit the programme after successful completion of the Stage 1 modules.
What will you study?
The course provides learners with opportunities for practical workplace experience and the underpinning knowledge of early learning and care, as well as fostering communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
Professional practice placement:
Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in each year in a minimum of two settings:
Working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and
Working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement. Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year.
Stage 1 Modules
Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
Holistic Care of Children 0-6 years
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Special Needs Assisting
Additional Training/Workshops:
First Aid Response (FAR)
People Moving and Handling
Children First e-Learning programme
You will be assessed on the basis of:
• Assignments
• Examinations
• Project Work
* Practical Skills Tests
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
6M21471 Early Learning & Care Advanced
Qualifications Obtained
5M21473 QQI Certificate in Early Learning and Care, NFQ Level 5
For more information on this course, please contact Concepta Connolly.
Email: conceptaconnolly@monaghaninstitute.ie
Monaghan Institute Education Campus,
Armagh Road,
Monaghan
Tel. 047-84900
E-mail: info@monaghaninstitute.ie
Visit our Website on www.monaghaninstitute.ie