Early Learning and Care Stage 1

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with knowledge, skills and competence to work in a professional capacity under supervision, for 150 hours over the academic year. The Learner will gain a clear understanding of the role of an Early Learning and Care professional. Learners will be carrying out several activities with the children in the setting throughout their 150 hours.
The learner will learn how to engage in Professional Development Planning, Research skills, Academic Writing skills, Digital skills and Interview skills.

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to Children’s Rights such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, relevant Legislation and Regulations about the protection, rights and development of the child.

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to an understanding of the development of the child from conception to 6 years. The module will give learners an understanding of the theory throughout the different areas of child development, and learners will learn how to observe children and gain experience of carrying out observations of children in the ELC setting, in line with current legislation guidelines and frameworks.

The purpose of this module is to support learners to explore different types of Curriculums for babies, toddlers and young children. Learners will learn how to plan and carry out activities based around Art, Music, Drama and storytelling. Learners will practice carrying out many of these activities with children in the ELC setting. Learners will learn about Aistear the Early Learning and Care Curriculum framework and Síolta, the Quality framework.

The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with an introduction to the legislation and rights for children and their families with additional needs. The learner will gain an awareness of the different types of additional needs and learn to create and plan inclusive experiences for children with additional needs in an ELC setting in line with best practice guidelines and frameworks.

The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with knowledge of practical skills for caring for babies, toddlers and young children. Learners will learn how to change a nappy and feed a baby and other care skills and routines required for the baby, toddler and young child’s holistic care whilst always ensuring their safety and well-being.

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.

Learner will complete the Children First E-Learning programme before they go out on placement to the ELC setting to inform them on 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, Learners will receive a certificate of completion.

Students will receive an introduction to the Child Paths Educational Software App, to gain an understanding of the features such as 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.

The course is full time and runs Monday to Thursday potentially from 9-5pm and on Fridays from 9-2pm. There will be days during the week given for your Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care

The course is assessed through a combination of coursework (projects, assignments, learner records and portfolios) which is done throughout the year with exams held at Christmas and at the end April/start May. Exam timetables are published by the Examinations & Assessment Committee through the Student Intranet and the Exam Scheduler App.