Early Learning & Care - Stage 1 & 2
This full-time course prepares learners to work as a Childcare practitioner with young children and/or to take responsibility as Room Leader/Supervisor in a variety of early learning and care settings. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training.
| 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
This is a one-year full-time course. Learners will achieve a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care on successful completion of the stage 1 modules. Level 5 Early Learning and Care graduates may choose to continue to stage 2 (second year) to achieve a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Leaving Certificate/ Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent.
- Applicants whose first language isn’t English need to have a B2 competence in an English language test.
- Successful completion of interview.
- Applicants will be required to undertake Garda vetting. International students must also provide Police vetting from the country/countries where they have previously lived.
- If you already have a Level 5 Certificate in ECCE you may be eligible to enter in stage 2 – talk to the Course Coordinator for more information.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
The NFQ Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care and the NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care facilitate entry, on a competitive basis, to a range of third-level institutions nationwide. N.B. Due to ongoing developments in QQI awards, names and content are subject to change.
Career Prospects
Childcare/Early Learning and Care practitioner
Supervisor/Room Leader in an Early Learning and Care setting
Further information
Start Date: 28/08/2024. End Date: 30/05/2025.
Applicants who present with school leaving examinations other than the Leaving Certificate will be assessed on the basis of accepted equivalence tables.
Mature / Adult Students with no formal qualifications are welcome to apply. Mature students are defined as those aged 23 or over at the beginning of the academic year.
Students for whom English is a second language will be required to take and pass an English Language test set by the College.
Students requiring Assistive Technology and/or Personal Support Services as a result of a disability are strongly advised to inform the interview panel of their needs in this area in order to allow for provision of same.
A student services contribution of €200 is payable on registration. The purpose of which is to cover services, materials, and supports including printing, photocopying, library, student cards etc. This is non refundable.
Student Grants
If you think you are eligible for a student grant, you should apply through the website: www.susi.ie
If you have any queries contact
Tel: 0761 08 78 74 or
email: support@susi.ie
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE
If you are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection or signing for credits, you may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Information is available from the Department of Social Protection.
Application Procedures
Waterford College of Further Education does not charge for applications.
A registration / student services contribution of €200 is payable on registration. The purpose of which is to cover services, materials, and supports including printing, photocopying, library, and student cards.
A QQI exam contribution of €50 for Level 5 courses and €80 for level 6 courses is also payable on registration. Students who have a current medical card are exempt from this payment.
Additional costs may be incurred on a course-by-course basis e.g., hairdressing /beauty /dog grooming kits / sports etc. Details are provided on each course page.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the first round of interviews for all courses will be advertised on this site each year – normally mid January.
Please check our website for the closing date for the receipt of applications for the first, second and third round of interviews. Applicants who apply will be called for interview in due course.
Offer of places will be subject to completion of interview and the achievement of the minimum entry requirements.
Applicants will be notified of their interview results in May.
Late applications received are subject to the availability of places, in the summer and early September.
Closing date for receipt of late applications for interviews is Tuesday 31st August.
As places on all courses are limited, application before this date is strongly advised.
Courses commence in early September, but only where sufficient numbers are enrolled.
Only one application form should be submitted. Where more than one application is made, only the most recent will be processed.
Apply online Via CAO website linking to FETCHCOURSES.ie website.
This full-time course prepares learners to work as a Childcare practitioner with young children and/or to take responsibility as Room Leader/Supervisor in a variety of early learning and care settings. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into further and higher education and training.
Stage 1 (Year 1) Modules:
- Professional Practice Placement in ELC Two settings: Birth – 2.8 years, 2.8 years – 6 years
- 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
Optional: Stage 2 (Year 2) Modules:
- Advanced Professional Practice Placement in ELC Two settings: Birth – 2.8 years
- 2.8 years - 6 years Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
- The Developing Child
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Inclusive Early Learning and Care
- Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care
Work Experience
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 at the end of the first term. 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
Certification
Stage 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473
Stage 2: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care 6M21471
Waterford College of Further Education,
Parnell Street, Waterford, X91 VKT9.
Tel: (051) 874053
Fax: (051) 870136
Web: www.wcfe.ie
Email: wcfeinfo@wwetb.ie