Stage 2 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Level 6 APPLY NOW
Course Overview
Our QQI Level 6 Stage 2 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Qualification is stage two of a two stage programme. The overall aim of the two stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners; the practical skills required to supervise the implementation of the Early Years Care, Early Childhood Curriculum.
Our course aims to promote good practice, equality and respect for diversity in early childhood care settings while also promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children. It provides learners with a solid and integrated programme of training by combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience through integrated work placement.
Learners acquire an understanding of early childhood curriculums and develop an awareness of social and legal issues which relate directly to and impact on early childhood education and care settings.
Successful graduates will have the competence to work as autonomous practitioners and to lead and supervise others. This can be either in a day-care centre, crèche, pre-school/after school facility or with families as a professional childminder. Learners will complete a total of 6 modules to achieve the award.
Our course also aims to provide practitioners currently working in the field of Early Childhood Care and Practice an opportunity to upgrade their current qualifications, to further develop their skills and to enhance their existing knowledge.
Modules
The modules are chosen so learners are well equipped to implement the contemporary principles of best practice as determined by Síolta, The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education (2006) and Aistear (The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (2009).
- Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care 6C21517
- Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care 6C21518
- The Developing Child 6C21519
- Curriculum and Pedagogy 6C21520
- Inclusive Early Learning and Care 6C21521
- Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care 6C21522
Work Placement
Students will undertake 150 hours of Professional Practice in an Early Years settings.
The settings will include:
- Birth to 2 yrs 8 months
- 2 yrs 8 months to 6 years.
All Professional Practice placements must be carried out with an ELC provider currently registered with TUSLA. Learners must be Garda vetted and must complete the current Children First E-Learning programme before going on placement.
Work experience takes place one day per week throughout the academic year. Learners have a practical opportunity here to apply theory, knowledge and interpersonal skills in a variety of settings.
How this Course is Taught
The course is delivered through ongoing projects and tutorials. Learners are encouraged to become self-motivated and disciplined through ongoing academic achievement and tutor feedback.
Coláiste and Chreagáin has developed a style of teaching to meet the needs of a diverse community of learners.
- We make extensive use of advanced multimedia and internet based technologies to bring subject matter to life and to ensure effective learning.
- Whenever possible, we use a Learn-by-Doing approach to make the learning experience more realistic and enjoyable.
- We provide learning supports that are tailored to the needs of individual learners.
Career Opportunities
On completion of this course, learners will be equipped with sufficient knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the area of Early Years Care and Education.
Early Childhood Education and Care Sector has been a growth area over the last ten years. Evidence of expansion of the sector is the recent introduction by the Department of Child and Youth Affairs of a second National free pre-school year. Therefore, employment opportunities appear positive in the short and medium term.
Graduates would have enhanced employability within the rapidly professionalising sector. Furthermore, graduates would be well-placed to occupy supervisory functions within the sector, in accordance with new funding requirements.
Graduates will have the competence to pursue supervisory roles in Early Years Services and within organisations which require leaders to manage & provide childcare places, i.e. charities, hotels etc. SNA positions in primary schools.
On completion of the award, learners will have the option of progressing to higher education and training opportunities. Subject to certain specific requirements this course can be used through the CAO to apply for a third level degree course in a related discipline.
Third Level Progression
The course provides excellent progression route to further education and subject to specific requirements the course can be used to apply through CAO for a third level degree in a related discipline.
Entry Requirements
Suitable candidates who have obtained Stage 1 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care QQI Level 5 Award or 5M2009 full award in the last five years will be eligible to apply.
Opportunities are open to students who did not achieve the desired Leaving Certificate to allow entry to your desired course from the CAO system, you can have the opportunity to achieve up to 390 points in a PLC course and gain access to 3rd Level or for mature students who did not complete a Leaving Certificate to gain access to 3rd Level.
Duration
This course is a one year full-time course from September to May.
Fees
Government Levy Fees have been waivered this year by the Government so the cost to complete the course is €175.
An exam free of €80 for QQI Level 6 applies to all learners except
Those in receipt of Back to Education Allowance.
Medical Card Holders (valid at time of Registration).
Non EU Students are subject to an International Fee.
We advise non-EU citizens living outside Ireland to contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service on www.inis.gov.ie to ensure the course you are considering applying for is eligible for a student visa. Non-EU citizens living in Ireland are welcome to apply and require a PPS number (Personal Public Service Number). Non-EU citizens are required to pay a tuition fee set by the Irish government which is currently €3653. Some exemptions apply, for further information, please contact GRETB.
Please Note
Colaiste an Chreagain reserves the right to make changes to any course, to limit the number of places available or to withdraw a course. No part of this information shall be deemed to form a contract between the college and a student or a third party.