Early Learning and Care Stage 1

INTRODUCTION:

This course is designed for those who wish to work with children under the age of 6. It is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification. Students get the opportunity to have hands-on experience and acquire the theory to support it. The course covers a child’s overall development from conception to 6 years. This Level 5 course is the minimum requirement for those wishing to work in the area and is the first year of a 2 year professional programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6. The Level 5 is an embedded award and students who leave after year one are qualified to work in the sector.

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Leaving Certificate, LCA or QQI Level 4.
• Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement.
• All applicants are interviewed 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 entry requirements set out here and satisfactory presentation at interview.

DURATION:

September to May (1 Year).

FEES:

See fees & payment for details.

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Certificate in Early Learning and Care (5M21473). There is an embedded award, a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care, which can be achieved if learners exit the programme after 1 year.

COURSE CONTENT (LEVEL 5 CERTIFICATE):

ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS:

• Manual Handling (MH) Training and certification (requirement for work experience): This training (MH) is mandatory for person’s involved in manual handling tasks. It is required by legislation under The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation 2007 Part two chapter four. The training involves the theory module which is completed online (HSELanD.ie) and the practical module which is classroom based. The certificate obtained is valid for three years. Manual Handling training course delivers the proper techniques for lifting, carrying, loading, pushing and pulling various tasks or loads to reduce the risk of injury to the worker. The need to avoid manual handling by using mechanical aids where possible will also be demonstrated. It provides the skills to identify risks with various handling tasks. 
• Tusla Children First E-Learning Programme – The Children First E-Learning programme has been written to support people of all backgrounds and experience in recognising concerns about children and reporting such concerns if they arise. The programmes include topics such as recognising and reporting child abuse, the role of mandated persons; the responsibilities of organisations working with children to safeguard children and the role of designated liaison person. When you have completed the programme, you will receive a certificate of completion directly to your email address from TUSLA.
• Child Paths training – Students will receive an introduction to the Child Paths Educational Software App. Additionally, the students gain an understanding of the features within it, for example documenting children’s attendance, medicine administration, sleep, nappy changes, and using Aistear and PILES for the child’s overall holistic development. Students then get hands-on experience to practice using the software as part of the training on college iPads or from their own device. All students who successfully complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Child Paths and Morrison’s Island Campus .
• Barnados Children Learning in Natural Outdoor Environments (online).
• Barnados Introduction to the Rights of the child in Early Learning and Care (online).
• Barnados Introduction to Learning Environments (online).
• Infection Prevention & Control (online).
• Field trips and site visits.

FAQs:

WORK PLACEMENT / 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:

Excellent progressions opportunities including:

• Morrison’s Island Campus: Early Learning and Care, Advanced Certificate Stage 2.
• UCC: Early Years & Childhood Studies (CK111).
• MTU Cork: Early Childhood Education & Care (MT972).
• MTU Cork: Montessori Education (MT970).
• SETU (Waterford): Early Childhood Care & Education (SE911).

Excellent progression opportunities to UCC and other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Kerry and SETU(Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrisons Island locations. Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

After Stage 1 students will have a Professional Qualification in Early Learning Care Level 5. After Stage 2 students will have a Professional Qualification in Early Learning Care Level 6. Students can work in pre-schools and crèches and can work as a Child Minder in the home.