Early Learning & Care
The aim of this one-year full-time equivalent programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work independently and as part of a team, subject to direction and practice supervision, as a member of the early learning and care community of practice, providing holistic care and learning experiences for children from 0-6 years across a range of early learning and care 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
Entry Requirements
Education: Learners will not be expected to have prior knowledge or experience of the early learning and care sector on entry to the programme but they will be expected to demonstrate an interest in the field. Learners will be expected to have knowledge, skills and competences equivalent to NFQ level 4. A minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.
Aptitude: The programme is intended for learners interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged from 0-6 years, including those who may have an interest in working as an early learning and care practitioner or for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field.
Previous Experience: Target learners include school-leavers and mature learners returning to education. Full-time and part-time courses are intended to meet the needs of a range of learners, such as those already working in the sector who want to develop their skills and/or acquire qualifications, people working in other areas or unemployed who want to move into the ELC sector, people with responsibilities that do not enable them to undertake full-time courses and people whose preference is to undertake a part-time course.
Careers / Further progression
The successful completion of the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care will enable applicants to work independently and under supervision in a range of Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings.
Progress to Stage 2 of Early Learning & Care level 6.
Further information
Start Date 25/09/2023
End Date 17/05/2024
Mature students are welcome to apply.
The SUSI Grant scheme is available to students for all PLC courses and this does not affect a learner’s entitlement to the grant upon progression to Higher Education provided that the learner progresses to a Level 6 course or higher on National Qualification Framework. Normal eligibility criteria apply for applications to SUSI.
Yes
Apply by September 2023
Application Process
Just click on the link below and select “Donegal” followed by “Stranorlar” in the Location and Sub-Location fields
Or click on application link below
This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training, including Stage Two of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
**This programme leads to a new QQI award, the level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473
NB - It is important to note that the 6 mandatory Programme Modules are not accredited Awards in their own right. The Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded on successful completion of all of the 6 mandatory Programme Modules.
Learning Outcomes
1. Summarise essential legislation, regulatory frameworks and guidelines which underpin children’s rights and best practice in ELC
2. Contribute to a nurturing and inclusive ELC environment for children to meet their holistic learning and care needs.
3. Engage in an inclusive ethical and anti-bias approach to, the early learning and care of children
4. Outline a range of learning and theoretical perspectives on child development that contribute to the holistic development of children
5. Conduct child observations and assessments, informed by theory and national frameworks, to promote the holistic development of children in ELC
6. Implement and review a variety of inclusive play opportunities and creative studies, underpinned by theory in both indoor and outdoor environments to promote children's holistic development.
7. Contribute to the development and implementation of inclusive curricular approaches, in partnership with stakeholders, in line with national frameworks and ELC regulations to support the holistic development of children.
8. Engage in effective communication and teamwork with children, colleagues, families and other stakeholders in the ELC setting.
9. Engage in reflective practice to support the development of personal and professional practice
10. Demonstrate professionalism with stakeholders and the broader community of the ELC setting while working under supervision
11. Implement centre-based policies, procedures and practices to ensure continuity of routines in ELC.
Professional Practice Placement 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
5M21473 Early Learning and Care
Extra learning opportunity
Finn Valley College also offers learners an opportunity to re-sit the Leaving Certificate Mathematics exams and provides a class specifically for PLC students
Kathleen Boland
Tel: 074 913 1684
Email: kathleenboland@donegaletb.ie
or finnvalleycollege@donegaletb.ie