Early Learning and Care Certificate
The aim of the Certificate in Early Learning and Care programme is to enable the learner to gain the knowledge, skills and competence to work as part of an Early Learning and Care team, providing holistic care and learning experiences for children from 0-6 years across a range of early learning and care settings (creches & pre-schools).
Learners will be fully trained and prepared for entry into the ELC sector, including first aid training, children’s first training, C.V completion and practice interview for an ELC position.
-This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training, and to Stage Two of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care
-This programme leads to a new QQI award, the Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care
5M21473.
-The Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded on successful completion of all of the 6 mandatory Programme Modules.
Target Award
QQI Early Learning & Care Certificate – 5M21473
Start Date: 08-09-2025 Hours/week: 33 Hrs 00 Mins Duration: 38 weeks
Learners will not be expected to have prior knowledge or experience of the early learning and care sector on entry to the programme but they will be expected to demonstrate an interest in the field. Learners will be expected to have knowledge, skills and competences equivalent to NFQ level 4. 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) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.
Age Requirements
Minimum school-leaving age
Learning Aptitude
The programme is intended for learners interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged from 0-6 years, including those who may have an interest in working as an early learning and care practitioner or for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field.
Previous Experience
Target learners include school-leavers and mature learners returning to education. Full-time and part-time courses are intended to meet the needs of a range of learners, such as those already working in the sector who want to develop their skills and/or acquire qualifications, people working in other areas or unemployed who want to move into the ELC sector, people with responsibilities that do not enable them to undertake full-time courses and people whose preference is to undertake a part-time course.
| Module | Award | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care | Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) | QQI |
| Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation | Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) | QQI |
| Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years | Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) | QQI |
| Early Childhood Growth and Development | Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) | QQI |
| Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies | Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) | QQI |
| Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs | Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) | QQI |
Programme Learning Outcomes
1. Learn about children with additional needs and how to assist them in an ELC setting
2. How to create an inclusive ELC environment
4. Understand how children develop and learn
5. Conduct child observations and assessments
6. Organise play activities
7. Understand different approaches to the education of young children (the Montessori method, forest schools etc.)
8. Learn to work as part of a team
9. Learn how to engage in reflective practice to support the development of personal and professional practice
10. Develop professionalism in working as part of an ELC team
11. Learn about Children’s rights and legislation relating to children
12. Learn a range of practical care skills such as nappy changing and bottle feeding.
13. Paediatric First Aid Training
14. Child protection training