Certificate in Early Learning and Care with Special Needs Assisting 5M21473 (499523)
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Course Description
The aim of this one-year full-time equivalent programme is to enable learners to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competence to work independently and as part of a team, subject to direction and practice supervision, as a member of the Early Learning and Care community of practice.
Learners will provide holistic care and learning experiences for children from 0–6 years across a range of early learning and care settings.
This award also provides learners with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training, including Stage Two of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
This programme leads to a new QQI award, the Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473.
Entry Requirements
QQI L4 or equivalent for all Level 5 courses.
If the Leaving Certificate has been completed, details should be submitted with your application.
Mature learners may be exempt from the academic requirements.
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) is required at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second or other language.
First round offers will be made in May to all eligible applicants with subsequent offers made in September.
Course Content
- Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care 5C21523
- Children's Rights, Legislation and Regulations 5C21524
- Holistic Care of Children 0–6 Years 5C21525
- Early Childhood Growth and Development 5C21526
- Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies 5C21527
- Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs 5C21528
- Special Needs Assisting 5N1786
Course Certification
This course provides graduates with a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care Major Award 5M21473.
Work Experience
Learners complete work experience each Friday for 120 hours. Many graduates obtain employment as a result of their work experience placement.
Progression
This course leads to careers in Early Childhood Education and graduates are employed in local Early Care settings, CenterParcs, and as Special Needs Assistants in pre-school, primary, and post-primary education settings.
Through the QQI FET Links Scheme, graduates can apply for entry to Year 1 of related Early Childhood courses in Universities and Institutes of Technology with continuity of SUSI grant / BTEI if applicable.
Athlone Institute of Technology
- AL764 / AL864 – Early Years Care and Education (Level 7 / 8)
- AL860 – Social Care Practice (Level 8)
NUI Maynooth
Mary Immaculate College Limerick
- MI007 – Early Childhood Education Level 8 with access to Primary Teaching
Whilst employment may be sought after this one-year course, students can elect to progress further and avail of advanced courses through the Higher Education Links Scheme.
Through this scheme, learners can apply for advanced courses in Social Care and Childcare in a number of Institutes of Technology.
For further details see the Central Applications Office website (www.cao.ie). Graduates can also find entry-level childcare positions and, with the benefit of a year's exposure to childcare, entry to other employment opportunities is also greatly facilitated.
* Pediatric First Aid Responder will be offered as an optional extra at additional cost.
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For further details contact Ms Elaine O Reilly, PLC Coordinator, EOReilly.mcc@lwetb.ie
Tel: 085 8629892 or for regular updates see our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MCC.PLC