Early Learning & Care - Stage One
Our Advanced Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care will provide the student with a professional qualification now required to work in the ELC sector. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children in a variety of settings.
| 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
All our Level 5 PLC courses are open to school leavers (Leaving Cert/ Leaving Cert Applied Students/A Levels/GCSE or equivalent), QQI Level 4 graduates and mature applicants. A QQI Level 5 award is a prerequisite to access a Level 6 programme.
All applicants will be required to attend for interview. Learners are required to complete 150 hours on Professional Practice Placement and must undergo Garda Vetting prior to going on Placement.
Careers / Further progression
Progression To Degrees
Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including:
• DkIT Early Childhood Studies Level 8
• DkIT Social Care Level 8
• NUIG Early Childhood Studies and Practice Level 8
• TU Dublin Early Childhood Care and Education Level 8
• DCU Early Childhood Education Level 8
• DCU Education and Training Level 8
Career Opportunities
Graduates progress to employment in range of early education settings across the public and private sector:
Childcare Assistant
Special Needs Assistant
Classroom Assistant
Early Years Educator
Preschool Assistant
Child minding
Afterschool Assistant
Montessori Teacher
Further information
PLC Courses begin in September 2024.
International Students
Ó Fiaich Institute welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
NEW LOW COURSE FEES FOR 2024
All courses now have a low course registration fee of €30. Make sure to confirm your place on a course by paying your registration fee.
PLC Maintenance Grant (SUSI)
SUSI grants are available to eligible students attending full-time approved courses at OFI.
Please visit www.susi.ie for eligibility criteria.
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
BTEA allows qualifying persons getting certain social welfare payments to get a back to education payment while participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
SOLAS Fund for Students with Disabilities
Funding is available to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students.
REACH Fund
The aim of the Reach fund (formerly MAEDF) is to provide funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education. It aims to increase the participation of disadvantaged learners, particularly those who are undertaking literacy and skills programmes.
The fund has a strong focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers, including providing devices and software, and increasing their capacity to deliver learning. This fund is allocated by SOLAS and administered by LMETB.
Laptop Loan Scheme
All students can apply for the laptop loan scheme. This provides students with the use of a high specification device for the duration of the academic year for a very low refundable deposit. This scheme ensures students have access to a digital device and the opportunity for success.
Sports Scholarships
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2024. Application forms will be available on our ofi.ie website.
For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie
Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis
Apply online - Application weblink below
Ensure you apply as soon as possible. Online application process opens on 1st January.
Interview - Shortlisting process
Interviews are held in March/May/August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
College Place - Secure your place
You will be notified of your offer by email and post.
Confirm your place by paying your registration fee of €30.
Students will gain an insight into how children learn and develop, through class participation and professional practice placement. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress into higher education and employment. Successful graduates can progress straight into employment or can continue their studies in Early Learning and Care by progressing to year 2 in OFI.
• Professional Practice Placement in ELC
• Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
• Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years)
• Early Childhood Growth and Development
• Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
• Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Need
• Early Years Educator
• AIM Support Worker
5M21473 – Early Learning & Care (Stage 1 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care).
Certification:
5M21473 – Early Learning & Care (Stage 1 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care.
Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road,
Dundalk,
Co. Louth,
A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie
Social Media @ofidundalk