Early Learning & Care - Stage 1

This two-year professional programme enables you to develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years and facilitates suitable adults in acquiring the qualifications necessary for employment in the childcare sector and as Classroom Assistants or Special Needs Assistants.

In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Applications are welcome from students with Leaving Certificate Vocational, Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 qualifications. Exceptions can be made where special circumstances apply on a case by case basis. The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for mature students and appropriate experience can be considered as meeting the entry requirement for most courses. We also welcome applications from mature students on all our courses.