Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

NFQ Level 6

Earning this award qualifies you to manage a room or area in an early learning and care setting, supporting the overall well-being and development of children aged 0 to 6.

Thank you for your Interest!

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

This is stage two of a two-stage programme and year one of a two-year course.

In this Advanced Certificate course, students will gain the skills needed for success in Early Learning and Care (ELC). You will have the opportunity to:

Learn how social policies affect the rights of children and families.
Apply inclusive practices to support children’s health, learning, and development.
Work collaboratively and ethically with others.
Understand psychological and sociological perspectives on child development.
Lead observations and assessments to support children’s growth.
Plan and review creative, play-based learning activities in various environments.
Create and evaluate child-led and adult-initiated curriculum based on national guidelines.
Build strong partnerships through effective communication and teamwork.
Use reflection to grow professionally and support your team.
Take on leadership roles to ensure best practices in ELC.
Help develop policies and procedures that meet regulations and improve care.

Work Placement:

Learners must have access to professional practice placements with Túsla registered ELC settings.

Working directly with children aged 0 – 2 years 8 months
Working with children aged 2 years 8 months 6 years

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course will be undertaken over two years on a part-time basis on two evenings per week

Letterkenny: Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Stranorlar: 5.30pm -9.30pm Tuesday (in-centre) and Thursday (online)
Buncrana: 6pm -10pm Monday (in-centre) and Wednesday (online)

Module	Title
6C21517	Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
6C21518	Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
6C21519	The Developing Child

Progression / Career

Employment opportunities for graduates of this course include Early Years Practitioner, Room Leader, Team Leader, Supervisor, and Childcare Coordinator.

Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in various early learning and care settings.

The current qualification requirement for room leaders is Level 6 (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) register of recognised Early Years qualifications.)

Please note, qualifications for different roles in ELC may be subject to change in line with evolving national policy.

This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to have successfully completed the Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care or the equivalent within the last 5 years to gain access to this course.

If you cannot demonstrate that your prior learning is current, you cannot be accepted for advanced entry to stage 2 and can be offered entry to stage 1.An interest in a career in early learning and care with children aged from 0-6 years is expected.

According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

This course is intended for students 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.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. Please visit our eligibility page for more information on whether you are eligible.

Cost / Fees

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

“…I progressed and I did further education and from my work placements I ended up getting full-time employment in a creche. I loved working there but, I wanted to own my own place so myself and my friend who was also in childcare took the plunge in 2007 and we opened the Bizzy Bees Crèche and Pre-School in Clonmany. I found my (ELC) course with Donegal [College] very interesting and I enjoyed all the course content, the tutors were on board all the time to help with work placement and assignments and whenever we just needed to have a wee chat they were there for us.”

Michelle Harkin

Early Learning and Care Graduate and Joint Owner at Bizzy Bees Crèche and Preschool

Without the Level 5 course with Donegal [College] I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. It gave me academic confidence to start writing assignments again, it provided me with a routine and gave me an opportunity to decide whether this was the career I wanted to get into whilst providing me with a qualification. It was a pathway back into education and the drive to go further. I still talk to two of the girls I completed the course with weekly and am lucky enough to call them my friends for life. I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal [College] I will never forget the course I completed and where I started, it was the foundation for everything that I have since completed. My advice to anyone would be do a course no matter what level it is, as you are educating yourself and it will give you a lot more opportunities in life.

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Early Childhood Care Graduate and now qualified teacher

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie