QQI LEVEL 6

DESCRIPTION

The Early Learning and Care Award at Level 6 provides learners with the knowledge, skills and competence to work as Childcare practitioners and to lead and supervise others. Those qualified through this programme may be employed in a variety of ECCE settings including day care, preschool, crèche and after school facilities. The programme meets the educational requirements as set out for the Government’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which requires that at least one person in each childcare centre or crèche is qualified at this level.

Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours of placement in a registered childcare setting or recognised primary school.

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.

EMPLOYMENT

On completion of Early Childhood Care and Education Level 6, many students move directly to employment in crèches, preschools and other childcare settings. Some students may also progress to Higher Education in Universities and Institutes of Technology.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSION

Students may progress to a range of degree level courses such as

TU995 Early Childhood Education, Technological University of Dublin

DC001 Early Childhood Education, Dublin City University

Students may avail of advanced entry options.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This is a Back to Education Initiative Course (BTEI), students must meet eligibility requirements for BTEI.

https://bit.ly/BTEICitizensInformation

Applicants with a Major Childcare Award at Level 5 may apply for this Level 6 Childcare award.

Participants are required to be Garda Vetted.

Applicants must attend a course information meeting.

MODULES

(All modules are mandatory)

Stage 2 (advanced certificate in ELC)

• 6C21517: Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care: The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and competence required to engage in an advanced personal and professional capacity to work independently and as part of a team in ELC settings, in line with legislation, policy and frameworks with an emphasis on the management of relationships with all stakeholders.

• 6C21518: Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care: The purpose of this module is to enable learners to examine sociology, social policy and associated legal responsibilities, frameworks, and guidelines to support children, their families and other stakeholders working autonomously and as part of a team in ELC settings

• 6C21519: The Developing Child: The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills, and competence relevant to the theory and practice of the developing child while working autonomously and with all stakeholders in the ELC sector.

• 6C21520: Curriculum and Pedagogy: The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and competence required to utilise a broad range of inclusive pedagogical approaches in ELC, through the media of curricula, theory, practice, and assessment.

• 6C21521: Inclusive Early Learning and Care: This purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill, and competence to support inclusive education and care of all children including children with additional needs or who are dual language learners or who are new to the community while working autonomously and with others in the ELC setting.

• 6C21522: Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care: The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence required to supervise and to undertake administrative duties in ELC settings using effective communication strategies with all stakeholders including professional organisations and funding scheme providers.

COSTS

• This course is free to eligible students.