Overview

• Blended learning (online with face-to-face elements) course with Tutor Support, accredited by QQI.
• No other accreditation or certification fees to pay.
• Course is completed over 20 months. Learners can work at their own pace and can start at any time of year.

Course Details

CMIT is offering those interested in pursuing a challenging and rewarding career in early learning and care an opportunity to complete the brand new Early Learning and Care (ELC) QQI ELC Childcare Bundle.

This programme is made up of 12 mandatory modules, six at level 5 and six at level 6, enabling the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competences required to work as an autonomous practitioner in an ELC setting and/or take responsibility for an area or room leading and coordinating the provision of a quality early learning and care environment.

The focus of the programme is on promoting the holistic wellbeing, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of ELC settings. The programme offers a balance of theory and practice, and professional practice placement is integral to the teaching and learning. Learners who successfully complete the programme will have opportunities to progress into the work-place or into further and higher education.

There is a qualified Early Years Tutor assigned to all students to provide guidance and assistance throughout the course and written personalised feedback is provided on all assessment work.

By choosing to study with CMIT, students have 24×7 access to CMIT eLearning for the duration of the course. This includes comprehensive Course Manuals, Live Webinars, Videos, Quizzes and personalised Tutor Support and scheduled placement meetings both on-site and online to support learners. The course is very user-friendly and easy to follow. Learners will be able to upload assessments and receive Tutor feedback online. The eLearning system can be used from any computer that has internet access.

Who should complete this QQI ELC Childcare course?

• Aspiring Childcare Professionals:  level 5 is suitable for those interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged 0-6 years. Level 5 is Required for all staff in pre-school services under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s approved list of qualifications includes ELC Level 5 as meeting regulatory requirements and being eligible for positions such as Room Leader with standard or higher capitation.
• Career Advancers: Level 6 is suitable for those who have completed ELC Level 5 and wish to further their career in early childhood education.  It is for individuals aiming for roles like Pre-school leader or Room Leader in Early Childhood Care and Education settings and those aiming for higher qualifications or continuing education in related degree programs.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites

• Leaving Cert or Level 4 award or equivalent, and/or relevant life or work experience.
• Applicants will be required to completed two Professional Practice Placements, one at Level 5 and one at level 6. These placements are 150 hours each. Each placement must be carried out as follows: 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 the Professional Practice Placements. 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.
• 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.
• Further details on the proficiencies required to complete awards at Level 5 and 6 are explained in the Equipped to Participate Statements. Full details are available here>>
• Basic working knowledge of computers and access to a computer with internet access and word processing software is required to do the course. For technical requirements click here>>