QQI Level 5 Early Learning and Care Major Award – New

1,450.00 or 125.00 / month for 12 months

  • Enrolling Now – April 2024 class! 
  • Our brand new online QQI accredited Level 5 Early Learning & Care Major Award (5M21473) is aimed at learners seeking to commence a professional career in the Early Years sector working directly with children from birth to six years.
  • What QQI award do I receive? On successful completion of this programme, you will gain a QQI Level 5 Major award in Early Learning & Care (120 Credits).
  • How is it delivered? This new programme delivered Online and you will be expected to attend approx. 3-4 hours of Live Online Lectures each week (Mon-Fri & Evenings only). An additional attendance Tutorial/Workshop will be held on one Saturday over the duration of the programme.
  • Is there a placement required? Yes, you will complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in a minimum of two ELC settings. Further details are noted in the “Course Details” section below.
  • Do you cover insurance? Yes, we cover our Students work placement Insurance requirements and at no extra cost.
  • How long is this Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care? This programme will be delivered over one year (average 48 weeks). You will undertake three semesters (12 – 14 weeks each). New programme intakes will take place each quarter with our next programme running in April 2024 with new applications closing end of March 2024.
  • What does it cost? The full major award programme fee is €1,450 and includes all documentation, lecturing, assessments, learner registration and QQI certification fees for this stage.  No other hidden accreditation or certification fees to pay!
  • You can also avail of our Easy Payment Plans where unlike other colleges that require you to navigate the complexities of loan companies, our industry leading easy payment plan of €125 per month over 12 months allows you to enrol today using your Debit / Credit Card without any additional hassle or signups.
  • Sector Requirement: This award has been designed to meet the new QQI Professional Award Standards for Early Learning and Care in Ireland.

 

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Course Description

 

This brand new single stage online programme leading to the new QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care Major Award has been designed to meet the new professional award standards of Early Learning & Care (ELC) at Level 5.

The programme comprises 4 modules to be completed over one year (full time) and aims to prepare learners for work as an Early Years Educator working under direction, and in preparation for progression as a Lead Early Years Educator.

Learners will 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.

The programme offers employment opportunities as an Early Years Educator for those who achieve the full QQI 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.

 

Course Details

 

Programme Objectives:

  • To 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.

  • To 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.

 

Module & Programme Structures:

The full level (5) award consists of 4 modules totalling 120 credits. 

Learners will be required to complete 4 compulsory modules (30 Credits each):

 

Four Compulsory Modules (120 QQI / NFQ Credits):

 

Module (1): The Early Years Professional (1) – 30 Credits

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 – 30 Credits

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) – 30 Credits

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) – 30 Credits

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).

 

Professional Practice Placement Requirements: (very important - please read)

 

Practice placement learning:

 

The arrangements for Professional Practice Placement have been designed to meet the Professional Award Type Descriptors at NFQ Levels 5 -8: Annotated for QQI Early Learning and Care (ELC) Awards with specific attention to Section 3.0.

Learners will complete a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement during the programme in a minimum of 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 placements must be with Tusla-registered ELC settings.

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).

 

Block (1): Learners will complete a minimum of 50 hours across 8 Weeks (5-12).

Block (2): Learners will complete a minimum of 50 hours across 8 Weeks (19-26).

Block (3): Learners will complete a minimum of 50 hours across 8 Weeks (32-39).

 

  

Assessment Strategies:

 

Assessment Strategies:

The overall assessment strategy will consist of a series of tasks that will aim to evaluate learning progress continually over the teaching period of a module. The methods used to achieve these aims include but are not limited to the following examples; online quizzes, forum contributions, short papers and presentations.

Academic integrity is preserved using Turnitin which is embedded in the online learning environment students will use to submit their assignments.

Throughout the course, lecturers have opportunities to informally assess students and provide formative feedback through live online lectures and tutorials as well as through ongoing communications with students. Students may also avail of the opportunity of submitting a draft assessment that is also intended as another outlet for formative assessment and feedback.

 

Digital Literacy Supports:

In addition to the course modules noted in the Course details section and over the duration of their programme learners will have access to three Study Skills workshops – one to be held during each semester.

The workshops aim to promote academic and digital literacy skills so that learners can confidentially engage with digital learning tools that are intended to support the delivery of this programme.

 

 

 

Accreditation

 

Accreditation:

  • Following successful completion, you will receive a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Early Learning & Care (5M21473).
  • 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. Click here for details of the National Framework of Qualifications.
  • Click here for more detailed Accreditation information.
  • All Registration & Certification Fees are included in the course price.
 

QQI Distance Learning Courses

 

Transfer and Progression to Further Studies:

  • Learners who successfully complete this Level 5 Major Award in Early Learning & Care (ELC) may progress to the QQI Level 6 Early Learning and Care (ELC) Major Award.
  • This Level 5 Childcare Major award programme is listed on the Higher Education Links Scheme, and, on successful completion, may be used to obtain access to a course at a higher level (e.g Level 7 or 8 on the National Framework). »Click here for further details.
 

Protection for Learners on this Level 5 Major Award:

  • As a course provider our policy on the protection for learners is subject to Section 43 of the Qualifications Act. This means that if, for whatever reason, we cease to provide the programme that is over 3 months in duration which you enrolled for, we have specific and legally binding arrangements in place to finish out that programme for you at no extra cost. All course fees for programmes over 3 months in duration are fully protected and secured by a Bond.
  • If we cease trading those learners who have not finished their programme will be fully protected by this Bond which will be automatically triggered and the fund that covers all Fees paid by learners will be transferred to QQI by our Bond Management firm to enable QQI provide further study options for these learners or the refund of fees most recently paid so that they can complete their programme and all of this will be at no extra cost to the learners affected.
   

Delivery Format

 

Delivery & Timetable:

This QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care programme will be delivered by blended learning over one year (average 48 weeks which includes holidays and semester breaks etc.) using a combination of suitable online teaching and learning activities consisting of a range of synchronous and asynchronous directed and self-directed study. These methods will be guided and supported through online lectures, tutorials, discussions, collaborative and independent learning.

Professional Practice Placement is a requirement at all stages of this programme, with a total of 150 hours (minimum) to be completed.

Over the duration of this programme all learners will engage in approx. 20-30 hours of study each week which considers a mix of online directed classes, independent self-directed study and work-based learning.

 

Learners will undertake three semesters.

Please Note: this a Sample timetable only and may be subject to change.

 

Semester (1): Weeks 1-13

  • Week 0: Induction Week
  • Weeks 1 to 5: Live classes
  • Week 6: Reading Week
  • Weeks 7 to 12: Live Classes
  • Week 13: Reading Week

(There will be a break in Week 14)

 

Semester (2): Weeks 15-26

(There will be a break in Week 27)

 

Semester (3): Week 28-39

(The Final Week 40 will be dedicated to Final Assessment Preparation and Submission).

 

Entry Requirements

 

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

The pre-requisites for entry will consider each of the following:

  • Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area and/or relevant practical experience. Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt.
  • Learners must be a based in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number.
  • Learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (150 hours minimum) across a range of ELC settings.
  • Learners will be required to participate in live online classes/webinars & periodic attendance workshops.
  • Learners will be required to participate in placement monitoring visits (on-site and online) during their course.
  • Be competent in both written and spoken English.
  • English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing, and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information. Any applicant whose first language is not English may also be required to demonstrate their level of English proficiency by completion of an appropriate recognised test such as IELTS achieving a score of 5.5 or higher.
  • Garda Vetting is required for all Early Years placements and learners can apply for this through The Open College. Please check our FAQ’s page for more information on Garda Vetting and International Vetting if you have lived outside Ireland for 6 months or more.
  • Certain assessments require completion of work, which must be observed and evaluated by a suitably qualified Supervisor or Line manager.
  • Digital Literacy: as the programme will be delivered online, learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment which will enable them to successfully participate in the online activities i.e., computer, broadband, email, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.