Early Childhood Care and Education

Course details

This course provides training and qualification for the responsible position of caring for

children.

Work Experience:

Students will spend four weeks working in one or more of the following: Crèches, Playgroups, Pre-schools, Montessori Schools, Early Start Programmes and Primary Schools, all excellent places to experience practical childcare.

Entry Requirements:

This course is aimed at students who have completed the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational and mature students with an interest in childcare with suitable candidates being selected by interview.

Certification:

There is continuous assessment throughout the year and examinations in the main subjects are taken in May. Successful candidates receive FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) Level 5 Certificates in Childcare. In addition, all students are given the opportunity to obtain Certificates in Occupational First Aid.

Career Progression:

This course provides essential career skills that relate to any aspect of childcare. The certificate awarded to successful candidates will enhance the prospects of getting employment in childcare centres such as those in which they receive their work experience. The course will qualify students for child-minding locally or au-pairing abroad. It could be a stepping stone for a future career in Children’s Nursing or as a Special Needs Assistant. It also qualifies students as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Early Start Programme. For those students who wish to continue their education there are many options. Students who achieve the FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Childcare can proceed to the Advanced Certificate in Supervision in Childcare in O'Fiaich Institute or to a range of third level education options such as a B.A. in Early Childhood Studies.

Modules

• Child Development
• Early Care and Education Practice
• Early Childhood Education and Play
• Child Health and Well Being
• Work Experience
• Creative Arts for Early Childhood
• Occupational First Aid
• Communication