Courses /

Certificate in Early Learning and Care

5M21473 - Early Learning & Care Certificate

Begin your journey into Early Learning and Care: gain the skills to provide holistic care for children aged 0-6 and progress your career through this hands-on, part-time programme.

Available Locations:

Letterkenny

(Ref: 508718)

Starts: 14/09/2026

37 Weeks

Apply Now

Letterkenny

(Ref: 508718)

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

What You'll Learn

This is year one of a two-year part-time course.

You will have the opportunity to:

Understand and apply children’s rights, legislation, and regulations to ensure quality care and protection in early learning environments.

Explore childhood growth and development to create nurturing, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Develop engaging curriculum, harnessing the power of play and creative studies to inspire young minds.

On successful completion of this stage one, two-year course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

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 six mandatory programme modules.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course will take place in person on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Module	Title
5N21474	Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
5N21474	Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
5N21474	Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years
5N21474	Early Childhood Growth and Development
5N21474	Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
5N21474	Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs

Progression / Career

The successful completion of the overall two stage programme and achievement of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Award 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 different 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.) 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 need to have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.

Students must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

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.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

Registration fees may be applicable in some settings. Please contact the course provider for further details.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

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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.

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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