Adv. Childhood Care & Education (Major Award 6M2007 QQI Level 6)

Course details

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has announced that from September 2015 all staff in existing services must have a level 5 qualification in early childhood care and education, and team leaders will have to have a Level 6 qualification (or equivalent).

This Early Childhood Care and Education Level 6 Major award programme – 6M2007 will provide learners with the knowledge, skill and competence to work as autonomous practitioners and to lead and supervise others in the provision of quality early childhood care and education in a variety of ECCE settings, whether working in a day care nursery, crèche, pre-school / after school facility or with families as a professional childminder.

The programme meets the educational requirements as set out for the Government’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme introduced in 2009. The ECCE requires that at least one person in each childcare centre or crèche has this qualification. It will provide a major boost to your career prospects if you are interested in developing a career in childcare. Learners will complete a total of 8 modules to achieve the award. On completion of the award learners will have the option of progressing to higher education and training opportunities.

Subject to certain specific requirements this course can be used through the CAO to apply for a third level degree course in a related discipline. Please see below for further details. In addition to being valuable for staff working in childcare environments, the modules within this course provide valuable information and important skills to learners and to others involved in the informal provision of childcare and childhood developments and with flexible study options it is suitable for those with family/work commitments who are unable to attend lectures.

Learners who successfully complete this course will:

• Develop an understanding of the interdependency of all domains of child development and its impact on early childhood education and care practice.
• Acquire an understanding of early childhood programmes.
• Develop an awareness of social and legal issues which relate directly to and impact on early childhood education and care settings.
• Enhance their professional communication skills to promote effective interaction with all stakeholders.

This distance learning, FETAC/QQI accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification. Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.

The course documentation for this course is detailed and easy to read. If students require extra time to complete the course they can apply for an extension.

• Module 1 – Child Development
• Module 2 – Early Childhood Curriculum
• Module 3 – Childhood Social Legal & Health Services
• Module 4 – Work Experience
• Module 5 – Communications
• Module 6 – Supervision in Early Childhood Care
• Module 7 – Disability Awareness
• Module 8 – Special Needs Assisting

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

• Level 5 Certificate in Childcare or equivalent. The ideal candidate should have previous experience of studying at Level 5.
• Students must currently be working (or on work experience) in the childcare sector for a minimum of 6 hours per week, throughout the course, as assignments will require learners to draw upon practical experience.
• Garda Vetting is required for all Childcare placements and students can apply for this on an individual basis through The Open College. Please Ask for Details.
• Certain assessments require completion of work, which must be observed and evaluated by a Supervisor or Line manager.
• If you take this programme by distance learning the course material will be posted or emailed to you. You can complete and return assignments/projects which must be typed rather than handwritten either by post or by email.
• As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
• If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.
• Competent knowledge of English as well as basic typing skills is required as all assessments need to be typed prior to submission for correction.