 5/5

Course Name: Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Stage 2/NFQ Level 6)

Course Overview

Description

The Advanced Early Learning and Care professional award, Stage 2 is designed to meet the growing needs of the early learning and care sector in Ireland. This programme is based on theory and practical opportunities preparing the learner to meet requirements of the supervisory role, especially in the area of legislation and regulation of the sector.

Many early learning and care services are seeking Lead Educators (NFQ Level 6) for supervisory roles. This role demands responsibility for best practice and high standards to meet the holistic needs of children and their families. Application of the Síolta Quality Framework and planning in line with the Aistear Curriculum Framework are main features of the Lead Educator role.

The aim of this programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, in promoting, supporting and meeting the holistic needs of children from 0-6 years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an early learning and care setting.

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

Why Should I Apply for the Course

Students will benefit from the following:

Insight into the early learning and care sector, from a supervisory viewpoint
Knowledge of the inspection process carried out in the early learning and care sector
Completion of 150 professional practice placement in a local early learning and care service, working with children aged between 0-6 years
Teamwork with early years professionals who will support and enhance personal and professional development
Academic research and report writing
Reflective practice (individual and collective)
Friendly experienced teachers who are available for academic support

cLICK EACH ITEM BELOW TO REVEAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Learners who have achieved an award related to early learning and care, and equivalent to a major award at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) may claim advanced entry to Stage 2 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. Learners wishing to progress on to Stage 2 of the programme must provide evidence of successful achievement of the knowledge, skill and competence associated with Stage 1, NFQ Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

Prospective students are required to complete an assessment and interview to determine placement on a further education course in Portlaoise Institute. Prospective learners will be expected to demonstrate:

a desire to work in the early learning care industry
an ability to act with responsibility and autonomy
an ability to take responsibility for their own learning while under supervision

English language – Minimum English language and literacy competence for speakers of English as a second language is Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking. Evidence of achievement of this standard is necessary for entry to the programme.

There are employment opportunities for graduates of the programme to work as an Early Years Educators and/or progress to a Lead Educator role.

Here are examples of higher education courses students can progress to:

CAO Code Course Title College NFQ Level

LC432 Early Childhood Care and Education Limerick IT (Thurles) 7

AL764 Early Years Care and Education Athlone IT 7

CW748 Early Childhood Education and Care IT Carlow 8

WD149 Early Childhood Studies Waterford IT 8

*Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie