Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This two-year Early Learning and Care programme will provide learners with the knowledge skills and competencies associated with the practical, social and legal aspects of the early learning and care profession. Learners who wish to exit the award at stage 1 will be awarded the embedded award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473. As part of the early learning and care programme, learners undertake extensive professional practice placement (150 hours) in at least two early learning and care settings at both stage 1 and stage 2. The ELC settings include those which cater for children from birth to 2 years 8 months and those which cater for children from 2 years 8 months to 6 years. All early learning and care settings in Ireland require their employees to have a QQI level 5 early learning and care qualification, as a minimum, in line with the legislative requirements for the sector. This qualification allows you to work in a variety of early learning and care settings.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
Early Childhood Growth and Development
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Holistic Care of Children (birth to six years)
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course leads to a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a possible progression route, click below:
| QQI Code |
| 5M21473 |
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
This course in early learning and care will give learners a firm foundation in the qualities and skills required for employment in the early learning and care sector.