Early Learning and Care Stage 1

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Accredited Training in

  • Lámh Sign Language
  • Túsla Child Protection Online Training
  • Occupational First Aid
  • Certificate in Manual Handling

Are you interested in pursuing a career in childcare and early years services? Throughout this Early Learning and Care course, you’ll gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience that will prepare you to work with children aged 0-6 and promote their holistic development. This award also opens up opportunities for you to progress to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care and further and Higher education and training.

Professional practice placement

  • Learners must complete 150 hours professional practice placement in a Tusla registered Early Learning and Care setting. You will be required to conduct this placement with two age groups: (1) working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and (2) working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
  • Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement
  • Police clearance required where a person has lived in a country other than Ireland for longer than 6 consecutive months

Employment Opportunities:

Learners exiting the programme after completing Stage 1 with a QQI Level 5 award in Early Learning Care can progress to employment in a range of early years settings such as;

  • Montessori Pre Schools and Schools
  • Private Crèches
  • Community Playgroups
  • Primary Schools – Early Start Schools
  • Centres offering ECCE (free pre-school years)
  • Outdoor Preschool/Forest School

Duration: One Year Full-Time - September to May

Coordinator: Caroline Regan

Email: carolineregan@scfe.ie

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Course content

  • 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

Course features and facilities

  • Use of specialised equipment and materials as required in an Early Learning Environment
  • Workshops in the five main Montessori disciplines: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial and Cultural
  • Practical Workshops in our national frameworks – Síolta and Aistear
  • Mindfulness in the classroom
  • Interactive sessions using art, drama and music
  • Practical demonstrations in care routines and use of early childhood materials
  • Educational outings, field trips and guest speakers
  • Fully equipped Early Childhood Education and Care classroom
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Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent
  • Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL)
  • Mature learners welcome.
  • Where an applicant does not have a Leaving Cert or Level 4, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the course in an interview and by writing a short piece outlining their interest in a career in early learning and care.

Testimonials

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“This course is a great course for anyone who wishes to work in the early years sector.  You are given the opportunity to go on work placement and get an idea of what it is like to work with children.  I really enjoyed this course. Throughout the year I developed many skills and learned a lot about myself.  After doing this course I have decided to come back to do my Level 6 to further develop my education.  I would really recommend Sallynoggin College of Further Education, the staff are extremely kind, helpful and supportive and it is a great college to attend.”

Sarah Carroll, Student Early Learning and Care

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Other courses

Education progression

Below are some examples of progression options with this QQI level 5 award in Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2009
TU Dublin City Centre Early Childhood Education G Level 8 TU995

For a more detailed list of progression options please www.cao.ie

For more progression options

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DCU Education and Training G Level 8 DC235
DCU Early Childhood Education G Level 8 DC001
Marino Institute of Education Early Childhood Education G Level 8 CM020
Marino Institute of Education Education Studies G Level 8 CM010
UCD Arts Level 8 DN520
UCD Humanities Level 8 DN530
UCD Social Sciences Level 8 DN700
UCD Psychology Level 8 DN720
UCD Social Policy and Sociology Level 8 DN750
TU Dublin Blanch/Tallaght Early Childhood Care and Education G Level 7 TU790
TU Dublin Blanch/Tallaght Early Childhood Care and Education G Level 8 TU989
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Applied Social Studies in Social Care G Level 7 TU791
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Applied Social Studies in Social Care G Level 8 TU991
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Community and Youth Development G Level 7 TU792
TU Dublin Blanchardstown Community and Youth Development G Level 8 TU992
TU Dublin Tallaght Applied Social Care G Level 8 TU997
Maynooth University Community and Youth Work G+ Level 8 MH116
Maynooth University Early Childhood Teaching &Learning G Level 8 MH003
Maynooth University Community and Youth Work G+ (Part-time In Service) Level 8 MH802
South East TU Early Childhood Education &Practice G Level 8 CW748
Direct Application (Non CAO courses) – Private Colleges (Fees Payable)
Portobello Institute Montessori Teaching Level 6
+ Questionnaire / Skills Test and Interview G Garda Vetting Required

Course modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change