Early Learning & Care Stage 1
This course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work in a range of childcare and early years services for children aged 0-6 years.
| 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
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
• Leaving Certificate five passes or
• Leaving Certificate Applied or
• Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme or
• Any relevant QQI Level 4 Award or
• Other equivalent qualifications
• Mature Applicants with relevant experience
• An Informal Interview
• Applicants may require Garda vetting
Careers / Further progression
Higher Education Progression
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care Level 6 or Level 8 Degree in Early Childhood Care at designated colleges.
Career Opportunities
• Early Childhood Practitioner
• Educator in Pre-Schools & Crèches
• Nanny/Au pair.
Further information
All courses commence in September 2023
Courses will run subject to sufficient enrolment.
Tuition Fees
There are no tuition fees for EU Nationals. The following course fees apply:
• Students Services Fee of €200 to cover such things as photocopying, equipment, licenses etc.
• QQI Examination Fee of €50
• Learners should budget for extra costs which may be incurred, for example textbooks
In the case of exemption from fees due to medical card, evidence must be provided on registration.
Student Maintenance/Fee Grant Application
All new student grant applications should be made online to SUSI (Student Universal Support
Ireland) through their website www.susi.ie
Grant applications for the 2022/23 academic year will open when the 2022 Grants Scheme
is announced by the Department of Education and Skills. Applicants who wish to apply for
Maintenance/Fee Grant should first check their eligibility at www.susi.ie
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is run by the Department of Social Protection. Detailed
information on the BTEA Scheme and eligibility is available from your local Social Welfare Office.
Key Features of BTEA are:
• BTEA learners are not required to sign-on at a local Social Welfare Office while participating in
the scheme.
• The weekly Social Welfare payment will be paid into the student’s bank or post office account.
• Earnings from part-time employment do not affect your BTEA payment – however it might
affect your Rent Allowance.
• Further details about the BTEA Scheme are available on the Department of Social Welfare
website www.welfare.ie
First interviews and place offers will take place in May. Another set of interviews will be held in June for applications received by Wednesday 12th June & August for those received after June 12th 2019
Complete the PLC Application Form and Supplementary Application form (if required) in full.
• Both forms are available from the college office or may be downloaded from www.selskarcollege.ie where you can also apply online.
• Applications open in Spring 2023. First round interviews for applications received before 28th April take place in May. Late applications will be considered subject to availability of places.
• Places are offered on a first come first-served basis subject to meeting entry requirements.
All applicants are called for informal interview in May & June.
Further interviews in August/September are subject to places being available.
• Applicants are notified within 10 working days of the interview result.
• A conditional offer means that a place on the course is being offered subject to the entry requirements being met.
• An unconditional offer means that you have been successful and a place has been reserved for you on the course.
All applicants are required to register for their course in late August.
No late offers for courses will be made after 29th September 2023.
Successful learners are awarded a nationally and internationally recognised certificate in the theory and practice of Early Learning and Care. Learners who successfully complete this award can progress to the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. It is suitable for both school-leavers and for experienced mature persons seeking a formal qualification.
Work experience placement is an integral part of this course. Students must obtain one day per week work experience for the academic year. The day will be specified by the college. There will be a two-week block placement, date to be specified by the College. Students are required to gain experience of working with babies and toddlers aged from birth to 2 years 8 months, and pre-school children aged 2 years 8 months to 6 years.
Professional practice placement in early learning & care
Children's rights, legislation & regulation
Early childhood growth & development
Curriculum, play & creative studies
Understanding and assisting
Children with additional needs
Holistic care of children
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care
Further Education Director
Mr. John Connolly
Further Education Co-ordinator
Ms. Theresa O'Reilly
Tel: 053 912 2753
email: selskarcollegeplc@wwetb.ie
web: www.selskarcollege.ie