Career Guides

Childcare Courses: Should I complete a Level 5 or a Level 6 for ECCE?

Posted on by Seán O'Connor

Childcare Legislation requires all childcare workers to hold a minimum of a Level 5 Major Award in Childcare before they are allowed to work in a registered childcare setting.  However, subsidies will only be paid for individual ECCE Sessions where the ECCE Room leader holds at least a Level 6 Major Childcare Award.

In short, if you need to complete a Major Award in Childcare, we recommend the following:

  • Start with the Level 6 Major Award in Childcare, if you hold a Leaving Cert or any Level 5 Major Award Childcare course.
  • Start with the Level 5 Major Award in Childcare, if you do not hold a Leaving Cert or any Level 5 Major Award. Once you complete the Level 5 Major Award in Childcare you may then progress to Level 6 Childcare courses.

Benefits of completing the Level 6 Childcare courses

  • You need to hold at least a level 6 Major Award (or equivalent) in Childcare in order to be a Room Leader and benefit from ECCE subsidies.
  • The level 6 Major Award syllabus is more advanced and of more benefit to you, and your workplace.
  • You can bypass the Level 5 Major Award and commence the Level 6 Major Award in Childcare course if you hold a Leaving Cert or any Level 5 Major Award.
  • Following completion of the Level 6 Major Award in childcare, you can progress to a higher-level course in a University or Institute of Technology.
  • There are two types of capitation available depending on the Room Leader’s qualification: (1) Room Leader with a QQI Level 6 qualification: €69 per week per child, or (2) Room Leader with a QQI Level 7 and upwards qualification: €80.25 per week per child.

Benefits of CMIT Level 6 Childcare courses by eLearning

  • Complete the course in your own time, and at your own pace.
  • Attend online classes, every Thursday evening, instead of having to travel to classes.
  • CMIT is registered with QQI to offer programmes in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland, which is recognised by Government and Employers.
  • Get one-to-one support from your Tutor and personalised feedback on your progress
  • Learn anywhere, anytime. You have 24×7 online access to your course.

 

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