BTEI / QQI 5

Early Learning and Care (ELC) 386489

What is the aim of the programme?

The aim of this one-year programme is to enable the learner 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, providing holistic care and learning experiences for children from 0-6 years across a range of early learning and care settings.

This award also provides the learner 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.

The successful completion of the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care will enable applicants to work independently and under supervision in a range of Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings. This course requires to have 150h work experience in a supported and supervised capacity.

Students are offered ESOL support if needed. All our students avail of free Career and Educational Guidance and Information service.

What is the course content and certification?

This programme leads to a new QQI award, the level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care 5M21473

NB – It is important to note that the 6 mandatory Programme Modules are not accredited Awards in their own right. The Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded on successful completion of all of the 6 mandatory Programme Modules.

Title Award Awarding Body
Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) QQI – Term 1/2
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) QQI – Term 1/2
Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) QQI – Term 1/2
Early Childhood Growth and Development Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) QQI – Term 1/2
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) QQI – Term 1/2
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs Early Learning & Care Certificate (5N21474) QQI – Term 1/2

What are the entry requirements?

  • Education: Learners will not be expected to have prior knowledge or experience of the early learning and care sector on entry to the programme but they will be expected to demonstrate an interest in the field. Learners will be expected to have knowledge, skills and competences equivalent to NFQ level 4. 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.
  • Aptitude: The programme is intended for learners interested in a career in early learning and care with children aged from 0-6 years, including those who may have an interest in working as an early learning and care practitioner or for those wishing to progress to higher education in this field.
  • Previous Experience: Target learners include school-leavers and mature learners returning to education. Full-time and part-time courses are intended to meet the needs of a range of learners, such as those already working in the sector who want to develop their skills and/or acquire qualifications, people working in other areas or unemployed who want to move into the ELC sector, people with responsibilities that do not enable them to undertake full-time courses and people whose preference is to undertake a part-time course.
  • Screening Process: Applicants are invited to an English reading and writing and numerical assessment regardless of previous education attainment. This assessment is called screening. Based on the outcome of this screening, applicants may be invited for interview, offered an alternative course to suit their learning needs, placed directly onto a course or referred to our Guidance Service

How much does it cost?

There are no fees for people who fulfil one or more of the following criteria:

  • Adults who are in receipt of a social welfare payment; or
  • Adults who left school early; or
  • Adults who did not complete the Irish Leaving Certificate; or
  • Adults who have a valid medical card
  • Adults who are on credits.

When does it happen?

This course is part time, during the day and it takes place in Adult Education Centre Riversdale, Blanchardstown Road North, Dublin 15.

Start Date 04/09/2023, Duration 33 weeks

*This course, times, dates and modules are subject to change.

How to apply?

Please apply though https://www.fetchcourses.ie/ clicking the link below before the start of term.

Apply for course #

Our Adult Literacy and BTEI courses are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020