Why consider a career in Early Learning & Care?

The early years of a child’s life are crucial — children from birth to six years benefit hugely from quality care, stimulation and education. For those who are passionate about working with young children, shaping their development, and contributing to learning journeys, this sector offers meaningful work, growth opportunities and real impact. With evolving regulation and professionalisation of early years in Ireland, recognised qualifications are increasingly demanded and valued.

CMIT’s ELC programmes provide flexible distance / blended-learning options for people who want to enter or advance their career in early years settings.

Course 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care (ELC) Major Award

Who is it for?

This Level 5 award is ideal for:

• Those who are starting a career as a childcare professional / early years educator working with children aged 0-6 years.

• Those needing the recognised qualification to meet regulatory / scheme requirements (for example, staff or leaders in play-pre-school/ECCE settings).

• People returning to study, seeking a career change into early learning & care, or working part-time and seeking flexible study.

What’s involved / Who’s involved

Delivery & structure:

• Tutor-supported eLearning: You’ll have access 24/7 to the online platform, course manuals, videos, interactive quizzes.

• Start any time, work at your own pace (within the 9-month guideline).

• Work placement: You must complete 150 hours professional practice placement, with at least 50 hours in each of two age-groups (0-2yrs7m & 2yrs8m-6yrs) (for CMIT offering) or similar.

• Live webinars / online classes and placement monitoring visits (on-site and online) are required.

Course Modules / Topics:
Modules typically include:

• Introduction to ELC & Child Safeguarding (legislation, policy, procedures)

• Holistic Care (well-being, health, nutrition)

• Inclusive Education (additional needs, disability studies, inclusive practice)

• Child Development (physical, cognitive, emotional, social)

• Early Learning & Play (play theory, curriculum approaches)

• Professional Practice (work experience)

Assessment & Requirements:

• Assignments, projects, personal learner records submitted online.

• Computer/internet access required; proficiency in English (if not native) required (B2 level).

• Garda Vetting required prior to placement (this can be done with CMIT).

What you can do with it / Progression

• On successful completion, you receive the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care Major Award (120 credits).

• It qualifies you to work as an Early Years Educator in settings working with children 0-6 years.

• Progression: The Level 5 award serves as a stepping stone to the Level 6 Advanced Certificate (for which CMIT offers entry if you meet the prerequisites).

Accreditation

• Awarding body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland.

• Registered on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Course 2: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care (ELC) Major Award

Who is it for?

The Level 6 programme is targeted at:

• Early childhood educators who have already attained a Level 5 award (or equivalent) and wish to progress their career, possibly into leadership-roles, room-leader, management of ELC settings.

• Educators seeking to increase their autonomy, take responsibility for a room/area in an ELC setting, or specialise further in early years education.

• Applicants must hold a full QQI Level 5 Early Learning and Care (ELC) Major Award in order to progress to the Level 6 programme.

What’s involved / Who’s involved

Delivery & Structure:

• Duration: Completed over 9 months (online/blended) with flexibility to start any time.

• Tutor-supported eLearning: 24/7 access, detailed manual, videos, interactive quizzes, upload assessments online and receive feedback from a tutor.

• Placement: 150 hours Professional Practice Placement required; at least 50 hours with children aged 0-2yrs8m, and 50 hours with children aged 2yrs8m-6yrs.

• Live online classes/webinars; placement monitoring visits on-site and online.

Course Modules / Topics:
Key components include:

• Inclusion, Equality & Diversity

• Advanced Child Development (theory, observation, reflective practice)

• Effective Leadership (management, developing self and others)

• Curriculum & Pedagogy (play, curriculum models, teaching methods)

• Sociology & Social Policy (legislation, regulation, rights-based approach)

• Advanced Professional Practice (work experience)

What you can do with it / Progression

• On completion you’ll receive the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care (Major Award, 120 credits).

• It qualifies you to work as an autonomous practitioner (subject to supervision) and/or take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC setting.

• Also positions you well for further education (Level 7 or 8 degree programmes) in early years, education or related fields.

Accreditation

• Awarding body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

• Registered on NFQ, recognised nationally in Ireland for employment in the early years sector.

Which course should you choose?

• If you’re starting out in early years, have minimal prior qualification in childcare, then the Level 5 certificate is the right first step.

• If you already hold a recognized Level 5 ELC qualification (or equivalent) and you’re ready to move into a more advanced/leadership role, then the Level 6 programme is the natural progression.

• Consider your experience: Level 6 expects you to take on more responsibility and act more independently.

• Also evaluate your time availability: both are flexible e-learning models, but you’ll still need to complete placement hours, live webinars etc.

• If you’re unsure, you might start with Level 5 and move to Level 6 after gaining experience.

Key benefits of CMIT’s delivery model

• Flexibility: Both programmes allow you to start any time, work at your own pace.

• Tutor support: Qualified early years tutors, structured materials, online access.

• Work placement built-in: The practical element ensures you gain real-world experience and meet regulatory requirements.

• Recognised qualification: QQI accreditation means industry recognition and alignment with national standards.

• Progression opportunities: Clear path from Level 5 → Level 6 → further education.

Things to check / apply

• Confirm entry requirements: For Level 6, you’ll need a Level 5 award (or equivalent) plus the ability to complete the 150 hours placement.

• Ensure you can access reliable internet, computer, and meet the online platform requirements.

• Confirm placement arrangements: Where will you complete your 150 hours?

• Time commitment: Even though you can work at your own pace, setting a schedule helps.

• Language/English proficiency: If English is not your first language you may need to show evidence of B2 level etc.

• Accreditation & credits: Make sure you understand what qualification you’ll receive and how it’s recognised in the sector.

• Progression: If you intend to progress to a degree later, check how these courses map into those pathways.

Final thoughts

If you are passionate about working with young children, shaping early childhood experiences, and growing your career in early learning & care, then CMIT’s QQI Level 5 and Level 6 ELC programmes provide strong, flexible, and accredited options. The Level 5 award gives you the foundation; the Level 6 takes you further into leadership and autonomy within early years settings.

By choosing the pathway that fits your current stage, experience and ambitions, you’ll be well-equipped for meaningful work and to continue growing in the sector.

Ready to take the next step in your training career? You can enrol now through this link or request a prospectus to receive more information and a call back from our team. We’re here to help you find the best pathway forward.