EARLY LEARNING AND CARE

QQI LEVEL 5 EARLY LEARNING AND CARE

Stage 1 (2 Years Part-time)


DESCRIPTION

This is a two year part time BTEI course. The course equips learners with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment as part of a team in the childcare sector. Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours of placement in a registered childcare setting.

Many of the learners on this course are enrolled on Community Employment (CE) schemes. The part time programme also may suit those already employed in school age childcare and after-schools programmes, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications whilst working.

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.

This course will prepare graduates for roles in a range of Early Childhood settings as well as employment as Special Needs Assistants in schools.

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.

MODULES

Stage 1

Year One and Two part time, therefore a selection of these modules runs each year to compile the full award:

  • 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)

    All modules are compulsory

Minimum Entry Requirements

All applicants must attend course advisory meeting/interview.

Candidates must have completed Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent (QQI Level 4 modules) in order to participate on the course.

Mature applicants welcome and will have the opportunity to meet entry requirements via an interview and written task.

ESOL applicants will be required to undergo a language assessment in order to ensure they will be able to meet the demands of the course.

Applicants will receive information about this at their advisory meeting/interview.

If you do not meet the requirements for this course please consider one of our Preparation for Level 5 courses, which will help you to meet these requirements in the following year.

Garda Vetting is required and is organised by the College.

Offers made on this course are made based on the applicant satisfying minimum entry requirements.

When applying please choose Early Learning and Care, Stage 1 Year 1 BTEI if you are a new student, Early Learning and Care, Stage 1, Year 2 BTEI if you are returning for your second year.

PROGRESSION

Many learners choose to move directly to employment on completion of this course. Successful learners may progress to Early Childhood Care and Education – Supervisory (Level 6) or a range of other courses in Universities and Institutes of Technology.


COSTS

Free for eligible learners.

This is a BTEI course. Applicants must satisfy the criteria for BTEI.