Early Learning & Care - Stage 1 - Blended

Our online QQI Level 5 Childcare Major Award (5M22171) is aimed at learners seeking to commence a professional career in the Early Years sector working directly with children from birth to six years.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites: The pre-requisites for entry will consider each of the following:

• Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area and/or relevant practical experience. Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt.
• Learners must be a based in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number.
• Learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (150 hours minimum) across a range of ELC settings.
• Learners will be required to participate in live online classes/webinars & periodic attendance workshops.
• Learners will be required to participate in placement monitoring visits (on-site and online) during their course.
• Be competent in both written and spoken English.
• English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing, and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information. Any applicant whose first language is not English may also be required to demonstrate their level of English proficiency by completion of an appropriate recognised test such as IELTS achieving a score of 5.5 or higher.
• Garda Vetting is required for all Early Years placements and learners can apply for this through The Open College. Please check our FAQ’s page for more information on Garda Vetting and International Vetting if you have lived outside Ireland for 6 months or more.
• Certain assessments require completion of work, which must be observed and evaluated by a suitably qualified Supervisor or Line manager.
• Digital Literacy: as the programme will be delivered online, learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment which will enable them to successfully participate in the online activities i.e., computer, broadband, email, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.