The aim of the 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 birth to six years, and / or to take responsibility for a room or area in an Early Learning and Care (ELC) setting.

This course is designed to

• Enable students explore Childhood Care and Education with a view to re-skilling / up-skilling and exploring concepts and subject areas that may interest the learner in future programmes or employment.

• Facilitate the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill & competence to work independently and under supervision in a range of ECCE settings and or to progress to higher education and training.

Entry Requirements

Learners wishing to progress to stage 2 – the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care, must provide evidence of successful achievement of the knowledge, skill and competence associated with stage 1. Specifically, all learners intending to progress to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care must show evidence of achievement in all minimum Intended Programme Learning Outcomes and all Minimum Intended Module Learning Outcomes across all modules for Stage 1 Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

• Interview

• Mature applicants welcome.

• Applicants whose first language is not English will require a competency as stated in our admissions policy here
• Ukranian applicants should have a certificate of complete secondary education (after grade 11) or higher Click Here

Course Content

• 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 Skills in Early Learning and Care 6C21522

Professional Practice Placement

Each learner is expected to complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in a minimum of two settings. One setting must involve working with children aged between 2 years 8 months and the other setting working with children aged between 2 years 8 months and 6 years. A primary school is not considered a suitable setting for Professional Practice Placement. Stage 2 learners, upon completion of both years, must have completed 300 professional practice placement hours.

Stage 2 ELC students, will have the opportunity to participate in professional placement in Germany, France or Spain through the Erasmus+ programme. This is a paid internship for three weeks with no expense to the student. This will give participants a unique opportunity to experience living in another culture, enjoy travelling, improve language skills, gain a Europass Qualification, add this experience to your CV and get that valuable job. (At registration students will be requested to complete the necessary documentation in order to satisfy Garda Vetting before they commence Work Experience)

Progression to Higher Education

Students who successfully complete the course may gain entry to Third Level Institutes and Colleges through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme.

The following are the most relevant courses;

ATU - Sligo

• SG242 Early Childhood Education Level 8

Please note that all QQI Further Education graduates who hold a major Level 5 or Level 6 award are eligible to apply for any ATU Sligo programme through the CAO system.

TUS - Athlone

• AL764 Early Years Care & Education – Level 7

ATU - Letterkenny

• LY008 Early Childhood Care, Health & Education – Level 8

The most up-to-date information on Higher Education Links is located at the CAO website.

Click here for details of CAO QQI Requirements Lookup

FEES

• There are no fees to study this course

Career Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the course may gain employment in a wide variety of organisations such as community childcare, Montessori and crèches.

Certification

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care leading to NFQ level 6 QQI Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

Duration

This is a full-time one-year course (3 Days per week - Mon to Wed) and runs from September to May.

For more Information

Phone 07191-45480 or email [email protected]

Please Note

• At registration students will be requested to complete the necessary documentation in order to satisfy Garda Vetting before they commence Work Experience.

• A new national Common Awards System (CAS) is being introduced by QQI for Further Education and Training programmes. Sligo CFET reserves the right to make changes in 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 Institute and a student or third party.