QQI Advance Certificate in Early Learning & Care - Level 6 Major Award

QQI Level 6 Early Learning & Care (ELC) Major Award

  • Enrolling Now – September 2024 Intake – Register your interest Now!

 

  • Our brand new online QQI accredited Advanced Level 6 Major Award in Early Learning & Care (ELC) – 6M21471 programme is aimed at learners seeking to progress their 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 one year programme you will gain a QQI Level 6 Major award in Early Learning & Care (120 Credits).
  • How is it delivered? This 46 week programme will be delivered by blended learning and you will be expected to attend approx. 3-4 hours of Live Online Lectures each week (Mon-Fri & Evenings only). Additional attendance Tutorials/Workshops 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 noted below.
  • Do you cover insurance? Yes, we cover our Students work placement Insurance requirements and at no extra cost.
  • How long is this Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care? This programme will be completed over One year (average 46 weeks). You will undertake three semesters in each Year (12 – 14 weeks each) and there will be scheduled breaks in between each semester. New programme intakes will take place each quarter commencing again in September 2024 with applications closing on August 16th 2024.
  • What does it cost? The full Advanced course fee is €1,450 and includes all documentation, lecturing, assessments, learner registration and QQI certification fees for the full award. 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.

 

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Course Description

 

Our brand new online QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care Major Award (6M21471) has been designed to meet the new professional award standards of Early Learning & Care at Level 6.

The programme comprises of 4 modules to be completed over one year (full time) and aims to prepare learners for work as autonomous practitioners and to provide leadership in the provision of quality early childhood care and education in a variety of Early Years settings.

Learners will acquire the knowledge, skills, competence, and dispositions that contribute to a responsible, self-governing, and modern early years’ professional who 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 a Lead Early Years Educator for those who achieve the full Level (6) major award. Learners will also have the opportunity to progress to other suitable higher education and training programmes with a view to contributing to a proactive, professional, and graduate led workforce as lifelong learners.

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 enable the learner to apply supervision and leadership in their daily practice as an Early Years professional with links to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) perspectives and approaches.

  • To provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to lead, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the policies, procedures and practices which supports the holistic development of the child/children, in accordance with national legislation and regulatory frameworks.

  • To equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to lead, assess, plan, implement and evaluate ECE curricula that are child-centred, inclusive, attuned and responsive to the individual learning and care needs of the child.

  • To develop ECEC practitioners who are active in promoting children’s rights and champion collaborative practice by respecting diversity, inclusion, equality and practicing clear communication with all stakeholders.

  • To develop autonomous, reflective practitioners who are committed to personal and professional development capable of demonstrating high quality practice.

  • 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 programme consists of 4 modules totalling 120 credits.

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

 

Four Compulsory Modules (120 Credits):

 

Module (1): The Early Years Professional (2) – 30 Credits

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with knowledge, skill and competence required to supervise and lead effective early childhood education and care, informed by current national guidelines, legislation, policy, procedures and practice. Learners will engage in effective and reflective supervision and leadership principles and practices, supporting their professional role of leading on compliance, quality practice, supervision, and community practice.

 

Module (2): The Early Years Pedagogical Leader – 30 Credits

The aim of this module is to extend knowledge, skill and competence relevant to child psychology, and child development theory, in order to develop a leadership role within pedagogy, curriculum, quality practice and provision. The learner will lead on supporting children’s holistic development and wellbeing, by providing in depth understanding of emergent led curricula, informed by National Curriculum Frameworks, and promoting quality teaching and learning experiences.

 

Module (3): Inclusive Practice in Early Years Education (2) – 30 Credits

The aim of this module is to extend in depth knowledge, skill and competence relevant to sociology and inclusive theory and practice, supporting the rights of each child, with and without additional needs, within inclusive pedagogical leadership, with a clear understanding of significance to practice. Each learner will promote participatory and antibias approaches, working within democratic partnerships facilitating the identity and belonging and voice of each child, through effective communications and interactions in line with all stakeholders.

 

Module (4): Professional Practice Placement (2) – 30 Credits

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge and skills required of a competent Lead Early Year’s Educator who can work autonomously, supervise and lead 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 (6).

 

Professional Practice Placement Requirements: (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 be required to complete a minimum of 150 hours of practice placement during each stage of 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.

Learners are required to carry out mandatory activities while on placement which demonstrate the application of knowledge, know-how and competency that are relevant to meeting the professional standards of Early Learning at Level (6).

 

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

 
  • Following successful completion, you will receive a QQI Level 6 Advanced Major award Certificate in Early Learning & Care (6M21471).
  • 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:

  • This Advanced Level 6 Certificate in Early Learning & Care 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 Advanced Level 6 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 Format & Timetable:

This QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care programme will be delivered by blended learning 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 one year 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.

 

 

Entry Requirements

 

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

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

  • Level 5 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area and/or relevant practical experience.
  • 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 & 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 6 are expected to be able to: fluently read, draft, prepare and understand complex information, including quantitative information, that is personally relevant and reflecting a broad knowledge base. 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 6.5 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.

 

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