CERTIFICATION
QQI level 6 – Award in Early Learning & Care – Code 6M21471
DURATION
2 years for a full award for those in employment at the commencement of the course

Aim

This two-year part time course offers students an opportunity to up-skill in the area of Early Years. Dundrum are now accepting applications on this course for intake in September and January.

Our flexible teaching staff and the design of the course ensures employers and students have flexibility of delivery through modes of onsite classroom and/or synchronous online face-to-face meetings.  Classes are also recorded so that students can review in their own time and frequent talks from guest speakers on various topics related to the module content are offered.
This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress on to  higher education and Training.  In addition to the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Students will be given the option of partaking in the level 6 Special Needs Assisting module (6N1957) which will give them an opportunity to apply for work as  an SNA in a primary school or in ELC settings and provided with training in introduction to Lamh PECS (SNA module).

Entry Requirements

Where a prospective student has not attained a Level 5 award 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.

Programme of Study

Core Modules

  • Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Inclusive Early Learning and Care
  • Sociology and Social Policy in ELC
  • Supervision and Administration in Early Learning & Care
  • The Developing Child
  • Advanced Professional Practice Placement
Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.

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*.

(* To enquire about RPL applications to this course, please email rpl@cfedundrum.com)

Applicants whose first language is not English will require a competency to level B2 on the CEFRLO framework.

Part Time (BTEI)

The Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time further education courses. It gives individuals the opportunity to combine learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course. Fees for part time courses offered under BTEI are normally €200 – €300, depending on duration and schedule. Certain participants are however eligible for free tuition.

The participants eligible for free tuition are people who (or their dependants):

  • Have less than upper-second level education or
  • Are getting a jobseeker’s payment or means-tested social welfare payment or
  • Are getting Working Family Payment (formerly knows as Family Income Supplement or
  • Have a medical card or
  • Are eligible to participate on VTOS or Youthreach.

All other participants are charged a fee.

Programme of Study

Core Modules

  • Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Inclusive Early Learning & Care
  • Sociology and Social Policy in ELC
  • Supervision and Administration in Early Learning & Care
  • The Developing Child
  • Advanced Professional Practice Placement
Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.

 

Work Experience

150 hours of professional practice placement with children aged  0- 2 years 8 months, and 2 years 8 months – 6 years.

Career Opportunities

There are employment opportunities for graduates of the programme as Early Years Teachers and Room Leaders

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:

  • DCU: DCOO1, Early Childhood Education
  • MIE: CM020, Early Childhood Education
  • TU Blanchardstown: BN118 BA (Honours) Early Childhood Care & Education
  • NUIM: MH801, Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (Part-time)
  • NCI: BA (Honours) Early Childhood Education and Care (Advanced Entry)