This two-year course aims to prepare students for work with young children in the rapidly expanding world of childcare and crèche supervision/management. The childcare worker needs social, communication and caring skills to work with individuals and groups. Childcare
will lay a foundation for these skills and provide the work experience to put learning into practice. This course will serve as training for crèche/ community care/healthcare industries or as a link to childcare or early childhood education courses in many universities throughout the country and the UK. Successful graduates can also for positions as a Special Needs Assistant in a range of educational settings. This programme is ideal for both school leavers and experienced mature persons seeking a qualification in this area.
A theoretical approach to childcare and special needs assisting will be complemented by practical experience. The
following modules will be offered subject to availability or demand and are subject to change:
Level 5 – Year 1
• Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
• Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
• Holistic Care of Children 0-6
• Early Childhood Growth and Development
• Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
• Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
Level 6 – Year 2
• Advanced Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
• Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
• The Developing Child
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Inclusive Early Learning and Care
• Supervision and Administration in Early Learning and Care
CERTIFICATION
• Year 1 - Level 5 Early Learning and Care 5M21473
• Year 2 - Level 6 Early Learning and Care 6M21471
• First Aid Response
• Child Protection
Apply directly at www.dunboynecollege.ie
| Course Location | Dunboyne, Meath |
| Course Type | Classroom Based |
| Course Qualification | Level 5 Certificate |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | 5M21473 / 6M21471 |
| Course Start Date | 1st September 2026 |
| Course End Date | 31st May 2027 |
| Course Duration | One Year |
| Course Time | Full time |
| Entry Requirements | ENTRY REQUIREMENTS • Leaving Cert or LCA • Mature Students • Other equivalent qualification • All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications and must successful complete a literacy assessment as part of the entry process. To successfully complete this programme students must have a 80% attendance rate each year. Entry to Year 2 is conditional on successful completion of Year 1 Apply directly at www.dunboynecollege.ie |
| Career Path | Graduates may pursue level 7/8 Early Childhood degree courses in Maynooth University, DCU, University of Limerick, UCC, Marino Institute of Education, as well as, in TUD Blanchardstown, South East Technological University Carlow. Graduates may apply to progress to Year 3 of Early Childhood degrees in many UK Universities. Students may also seek immediate employment in a range of childcare centres, classrooms or community initiatives. Early Learning and Care graduates may be eligible to access the 175 places in First Arts in Maynooth University or progress to Social Care/Social Study degree programmes in TUD and Primary School Teaching. EXAMPLES OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRESSION: Maynooth: MH003 Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (Level 8, 4 Years) - Advanced entry to Year 2 with QQI Level 6 Qualification TUD Blanchardstown: TU993 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years) Marino Institute of Education: CM020 Early Childhood Education (Level 8, 4 Years) TUD City Campus: TU995 Early Childhood Education (Level 8, 3 Years) DCU: DC001 Early Childhood Education (Level 8, 4 Years) St. Nicholas College: NM801 Montessori Education (Level 8, 4 Years) NUIM: MH101 Arts (Level 8, 3 Years) DCU: DC235 Education and Training (Level 8, 3-4 Years) SETU Waterford / Carlow: SE911 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years), SE913 Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 8, 4 Years) TUD Blanchardstown: TU790 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 7, 3 Years) DKIT: DK876 Early Childhood Studies (Level 8, 4 Years) TUD Tallaght: TU989 Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 8, 4 Years) Sunderland University (UK): Entry to Year 3 of BA in Childhood Studies (Level 8, 3 Years) Graduates from this programme are eligible to apply directly for various degree programmes in most UK universities. |
| Course Code | 5M21473 |
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