Aim
This one-year full time childcare programme offers students the opportunity to work in a variety of Early Years settings for children from babies to six years of age. This would include creches, preschools and Naíonraí. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress in further and higher education and Training. In addition to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Students will also benefit form the following:
Lamh Training
Introduction to Autism
Erasmus + opportunities
Group trips
Completion of 150 work placement with children aged between 0-6 years
Friendly teachers who are available for academic support
In College library where students can borrow ELC books for the academic year
Entry Requirements
Course entry is subject to interview to describe desire to work in the Early Years Sector.
Leaving Cert, including Leaving Cert Applied or an NFQ level 4 major award or equivalent.
Where a prospective student has not attained the above level prior to their application, and in keeping with the College policy on equality of access and opportunity, entry opportunities to the programme are available offered through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application*.
Applicants whose first language is not English will require a competency to level B2 on the CEFRLO framework.
(* To enquire about RPL applications to this course, please email rpl@cfedundrum.com)
Mature learners welcome. Where an applicant does not have a Leaving Cert or Level 4, they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the course in an interview and by writing a short piece outlining their interest in a career in early learning and care.
Programme of Study
Core Modules
- Professional Practice Placement in ELC
- Children’s Rights Legislation and Regulation
- Early Childhood Growth and Development
- Curriculum Play and Creative Studies
- understand-assisting-children-with-additional-needs
- Holistic Care of Children (0-6)
Work Experience
150 hours of professional practice placement with children aged 0- 2 years 8 months, and 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement and provide two references.
Career Opportunities
There are employment opportunities for graduates of the childcare programme as Early Years Teachers with opportunities to progress to Room Leader (on achievement of full Level 6 award).
Progression
This course will prepare graduates for a profession which requires a strong commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development to meet the dynamic and evolving nature of both the ELC context and demands of professional practice in Early Learning and Care settings. Graduates who achieve the required standard may progress to further studies in:
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Level 6 (available in the Dundrum College of Further Education)
DIT, DT572 Early Childhood Education
IT Blanchardstown, BN118 Early Childhood Education
NCI, BA (Honours) Early Childhood Education
DC001, BA (Honours) Early Childhood Education
- Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Level 6 (available in the Dundrum College of Further Education)
- DIT, DT572 Early Childhood Education
- IT Blanchardstown, BN118 Early Childhood Education
- NCI, BA (Honours) Early Childhood Education
- DC001, BA (Honours) Early Childhood Education