Childcare: Stage 2 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care with Special Needs (Level 6)

LOCATION:

Onsite at Mallow Campus

INTRODUCTION:

This 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, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC setting.

This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training.

The current qualification requirement for room leaders is Level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications). Qualifications for different roles in ELC may be subject to change in line with evolving national policy.

The programme leads to a new award, the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (6M21471).

It is important to note that the 6 mandatory Programme Modules are not accredited Awards in their own right. The Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care will only be awarded on successful completion of Stage One of the Programme and all of the 6 mandatory Programme Modules in Stage Two.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Learners will be expected to have completed Stage One of this programme or equivalent. A minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.

• All applicants will be required to attend an application review and Garda vetted. Police clearance is required for non-Irish nationals. Minimum English language and literacy competence at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second language would be B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking.

• An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the minimum entry requirements set out here, and satisfactory presentation at an application review.

APPLICATIONS:

Applications open. Places available. No deposit required to start your application.

DURATION:

One year. Full-time. Class timetables to follow in September, and subject to change.

Erasmus+:

50 full-time day students will travel, fully-funded, with Erasmus+ to another European country for 2 weeks. Find out more and apply.

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, Level 6 (6M21471).

COURSE CONTENT:

Courses are continually developed, content and specific award components are subject to change. See disclaimer HERE.

GARDA VETTING:

This course requires participants to be Garda vetted. Continued participation on the course and work placement is dependent on the successful completion of this process.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Students will undertake 150 hours of Professional Practice in a minimum of 2 early Years of Early Years settings per annum. The settings will include birth -2 yrs 8 months, and 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 before going on the placement. Learners must complete the current Children First E-Learning programme before going on placement.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Use your full QQI award to progress to degrees in Early Childhood Education, Montessori Education, Social Care, Community Development, and Arts.

• UCC: Early Years and Childhood Studies (CK111) Year One.
• MTU Cork: Early Childhood Education and Care (MT572) Year Two.
• WIT: Early Childhood Education and Care (WD149) Year Two.

For more links and detailed information on how to use your Mallow Campus qualification click HERE.

A full QQI award achieves a maximum of 390 points for CAO.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Job opportunities for students who complete this course include:

• Crèche leader
• Nursery supervisor
• Playgroup leader
• Pre-school leader
• Special needs assistant

TESTIMONIALS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Childcare: Stage 2 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care with Special Needs (Level 6)

Course Overview