Early Learning & Care - Stage 1

The aim of the programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work independently and as part of a team, subject to practice supervision and promote the holistic wellbeing, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of ELC settings.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites

• Leaving Cert, Level 4 award or equivalent, and/or relevant Life or Work Experience.
• Applicants will be required to complete 150 hours Professional Practice Placement. A minimum of 50 hours must be completed with children in each of the following age groups: (1) with children aged 0-2 years 8 months, and (2) with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
• Applicants will require Garda Vetting prior to commencing Professional Practice. Contact the college for details.
• Applicants will be required to participate in live online classes/webinars.
• Applicants will be required to participate in placement monitoring visits (on-site and online) during their course.
• Applicants must be a resident of Ireland / based in Ireland and hold a valid PPS Number.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and access to a computer with internet access and word processing software is required to do the course.
• As this NFQ qualification is delivered through English it is necessary learners will have sufficient written English skills to complete this course. Learners for whom English is not a first language will be required to provide evidence of meeting a minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening, and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
• It may be possible to gain exemptions from certain modules of the course. If you hold ECCE components, please contact us and we can advise you of possible exemptions.