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Early Learning & Care - Stage 1

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M21473
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
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Whitehall
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 year full-time.

Entry Requirements

Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent. All applicants must have two written references. Applications are welcome from mature students with relevant experience.

Applicants will be asked for copy EU Passport or GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit or Labour Market Permission letter.

For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of English language proficiency may be required. If appropriate, Whitehall College of Further Education will conduct an English language assessment.

Garda Vetting Application Form will be completed at registration in September. Parent/Guardian consent form (for students who are under 18) will be completed at registration in September.

Careers / Further progression

Progression/Employment
Students will acquire the skills necessary to take up employment as a childcare or special needs assistant in a variety of childcare settings.

Students may be eligible to apply to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Stage 2.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Courses commence in September 2023.

Mature students are welcome to apply.

PLC Maintenance Grants
Whitehall College of Further Education is an approved college for Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) Maintenance Grants. Information on this scheme is available on www.susi.ie and www.studentfinance.ie. Applications are made on-line at www.susi.ie.

Payment of this grant is subject to Susi receiving confirmation from the college that the student is registered and in attendance on the course in respect of which the student has been awarded the grant.

VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme)
Whitehall College of Further Education has for many years provided innovative programmes for mature students who wish to return to education. Previous educational attainment does not exclude anyone from the opportunity to join our programmes. Entry to all programmes is determined by interview. Mature students can participate in any of the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programmes that are offered by Whitehall College, or you may choose to participate in one of our specific VTOS programmes.

What is VTOS?
VTOS means 'vocational training opportunity scheme'. VTOS gives unemployed adults the opportunity of returning to full-time education without losing their social welfare payments.

How will it benefit me?
Prepare you to go to paid employment
Prepare you for further education opportunities
Provide you with an increased range of lifestyle options
Skills acquisition

You will also:
- Receive a small lunch allowance and may be entitled to a travel allowance depending on the distance between your home and the college

- Receive books and materials free of charge

- There is limited financial support available for childcare for those using registered childminders.

How much will it cost?
Courses are provided free of charge (€50 booking deposit refundable at the end of the course).

Yes

Applications are made on-line through the College website.

Our application system will acknowledge receipt of your application.

If you have any questions relating to entry requirements please contact the College.

Course Description
The Certificate in Early Learning and Care is the new standard for childcare education in Ireland. This one-year full-time course prepares students to work with young children aged 0-6 years. It is ideal for both school-leavers and experienced mature persons seeking a formal qualification. Successful students enjoy excellent employment prospects.

Students will complete work placement in a variety of childcare settings. As childcare is a position of trust, Garda Vetting is a prerequisite for the mandatory work placements on this course.

Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulations
Holistic Care of Children 0 – 6 years
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs

Please note that the combination of components outlined above may be subject to revision.

5M21473 - Early Learning & Care.

Certification: QQI Certificate in Early Learning and Care Stage 1 5M21473.

Admissions Office,
Whitehall College of Further Education,
Email: info@whitehallCFE.cdetb.ie
Phone: 01 837 6011 or 01 837 6012
Fax: 01 837 7717
www.whitehallcollege.com

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Whitehall
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider