Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This course will prepare graduates for roles in a range of Early Childhood settings as well as employment as Special Needs Assistants in schools. This part time programme can lead to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6, although learners will have the option to exit after 2 years having achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 Stage 1 Award. It is the first step on a pathway to Degree level qualifications in ELC. During their level 5 course students will undertake 150 hours of work placement and will have the opportunity to experience babies and children from ages 1 - 6.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
-
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 6 years)
Occupational First Aid
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
Graduates undertake employment in a range of Early Learning and Care Settings such as:
- Creches
- Montessori Schools
- Community Playgroups
- Afterschool Programmes