QQI Level 5 Childcare Online - Early Learning & Care (ELC) Major Award

Course Description

The aim of this QQI Level 5 Early Learning & Care Major Award is to enable learners to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence that contribute to a modern early years’ educator who can work under direction, both independently and as part of a team, and is flexible, creative, and inclusive in their approach to promoting and supporting the holistic development of the child, from birth to six years.

The programme has been specifically developed to combine theory and practice-based training.  Therefore, learners will be expected to apply all theoretical knowledge in practice which will be the focus of the practice placement module embedded across the programme. Learners will complete a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement across two ELC settings with a minimum of 40 hours in a second additional setting / service.

It is recommended that learners gain experience with babies (birth to 18 months), toddlers (12 months to 3 years) & young children (2½ to 6 years). Each Placement Block will have a specific correlation to the theoretical modules being undertaken in each semester.

The programme offers employment opportunities as an Early Years Educator for those who achieve the full Level (5) major award.  Learners will also have the opportunity to progress to the Level (6) Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care to advance their career as a Lead Early Years Educator.

The blended teaching and learning approach will be suited to those with responsibilities that do not enable them to undertake classroom-based training on a full-time basis and is intended to meet the needs of a diverse range of learner profiles and make accommodations for those who may already be working in the sector or in other vocations who wish to change career paths.

Programme Objectives

• Examine a range of Early Learning & Care theories and approaches that can enhance the overall holistic development of the child, within an emergent and inquiry-based curriculum, in line with current frameworks.
• Create awareness of the policies, procedures and practices which supports the overall health, wellbeing, development, and welfare (holistic development) of the child/children in accordance with national legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• To equip learners with the knowledges, skills and competencies to identify, support and respond to the planning and assessing of individual learning and care needs of the child, within a democratic and participatory pedagogy.
• To develop ECEC practitioners who the individual rights and capabilities of the child taking account of diversity, equality, and inclusion while practising clear communication with all stakeholders
• To prepare the learner for engagement in professional practice, and to support learners in identifying and achieving their own personal and professional development plans.
• To develop academic and digitally literate learners capable of confidently using a range of technologies to support their learning and practice and source employment opportunities.

Who should complete this course?

This programme is aimed at learners seeking to commence a professional career in the Early Years sector working directly with children from birth to six years. The programme will facilitate learners with the opportunity of gaining employment as an Early Years Educator while also acting as a steppingstone for progression to other suitable further and higher education and training programmes.

Learners must complete 4 Modules at 30 Credits each.

Module (1): The Early Years Professional (1) – Legislation and Professionalism

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill, and competence, of national frameworks, legislation, policy, procedures, and practices within the profession of early childhood education and care. Learners will use a range of effective interpersonal, intrapersonal, and reflective communicative skills, understanding how they impact upon their role as an early year’s professional, in supporting the health, development and wellbeing of children (0-6 years).

Module (2): The Early Years Educator – Pedagogy & Holistic Care

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill, and competence relevant to the theory and practice of child psychology, child development and learning, so that learners can provide for the holistic health, safety, and well-being of children. Learners will understand their role within early years pedagogy and curricular provision, in line with national curriculum and quality frameworks, providing planning and assessment opportunities, experiences, and activities facilitating quality interactions across the Early Learning & Care setting.

Module (3): Inclusive Practice in Early Years Education (1) – Understanding Inclusion in Early Years

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill, and competence relevant to the principles and practices of ethical, rights based, inclusive and participatory practice. Each learner will understand and demonstrate the role of the early years’ practitioner, in supporting all children with and without additional needs. Learners will gain confidence in promoting collaborative practice that is democratic, inclusive and antibias, responsive to the holistic, care play and learning of all children, in recognition of the importance of supporting the identity and belonging, the voice and agency of each child.

Module (4): Professional Practice Placement (1)

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge and skills required of a competent Early Year’s Educator who will observe and engage in quality practice in early years care and education. Learners will apply understanding of early childhood care and education theory through evidence-based practice and in accordance with the Early Learning & Care Professional Awards standards at Level (5)/Year 1.

Professional Practice Placement

This Level 5 certificate will facilitate learners with the opportunity to observe quality practice, apply theoretical knowledge to their professional placement experiences and engage in critical self-reflection while under the supervision of a placement supervisor.

Learners are required to carry out mandatory activities while on placement which demonstrates the application of knowledge, know-how and competency that are relevant to meeting the professional standards of Early Learning at Level (5).

Learners will complete a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement across two ELC settings with a minimum of 40 hours in a second additional setting / service. It is recommended that learners gain experience with babies (birth to 18 months), toddlers (12 months to 3 years) & young children (2½ to 6 years). All placements must be with Tusla-registered ELC settings.

Accreditation

• Following successful completion, you will receive a QQI Level 5 Major award in Early Learning & Care.
• QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. The Open College is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.
• All Registration & Certification Fees are included in the course price.

Delivery Format

This QQI Early Learning & Care Level 5 Major award programme is completed through Blended Learning which combines online lectures that will be held on two evenings per week, and additional class-based workshops that will take place across some Saturdays during the programme. Please visit our website for further information regarding days and times for both online lectures and classed based workshops.

Easy Payment Plans are available with this QQI Level 5 Early Learning & Care Major Award.

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