Advanced Childhood Care & Education – (QQI Level 6 Major)

This Early Childhood Care and Education Level 6 Major award programme – 6M2007 will provide learners with the knowledge, skill and competence to work as autonomous practitioners and to lead and supervise others in the provision of quality early childhood care and education in a variety of ECCE settings, whether working in a day care nursery, crèche, pre-school / after school facility or with families as a professional childminder.

The programme meets the educational requirements as set out for the Government’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme introduced in 2009. The ECCE requires that at least one person in each childcare centre or crèche has this qualification. It will provide a major boost to your career prospects if you are interested in developing a career in childcare. Learners will complete a total of 8 modules to achieve the award. On completion of the award learners will have the option of progressing to higher education and training opportunities.

Subject to certain specific requirements this course can be used through the CAO to apply for a third level degree course in a related discipline. Please see below for further details. In addition to being valuable for staff working in childcare environments, the modules within this course provide valuable information and important skills to learners and to others involved in the informal provision of childcare and childhood developments and with flexible study options it is suitable for those with family/work commitments who are unable to attend lectures.

Learners who successfully complete this course will:

– Develop an understanding of the interdependency of all domains of child development and its impact on early childhood education and care practice.
– Acquire an understanding of early childhood programmes.
– Develop an awareness of social and legal issues which relate directly to and impact on early childhood education and care settings.
– Enhance their professional communication skills to promote effective interaction with all stakeholders.

This distance learning, QQI accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain a nationally accredited Qualification. Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration.

The course documentation for this course is detailed and easy to read. If students require extra time to complete the course they can apply for an extension.

The programme duration is a combination of directed and self-directed learning activity including work placements and the total number of learning hours per week should be 25 hours on average.

Requirement in Credit Value is 120

Students must complete these 8 Mandatory Modules

Module 1 – Child Development – 6N1942*

Gain a full understanding of the different theories in child development. Candidate should be able to recognise the differences between these theories and identify where they contrast and complement each other. The candidate will identify the practical implementation of these theories to everyday events in the ECCE. Child development theory should impact on how candidate interacts with children and approaches the child’s holistic development. An understanding of theory will also aid the candidate in the practical understanding and implantation of behaviour management techniques.

Module 2 – Early Childhood Curriculum – 6N1944

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the skills necessary to ensure children within their care have the best access to the early childhood curriculum. Candidates will gain a full understanding of early childhood educational theories and the practical implementation of these theories into everyday life in the early childhood environment. Candidates will also gain an understanding of the different programme models used to aid early childhood learning. They will recognise the different theories on the adult’s role within the learning processes along with the importance of on-going personal and professional development.

Module 3 – Childhood Social Legal & Health Services – 6N1945

On successful completion of this module learners will be equipped with knowledge, skill and competence in relation to factors which influence the health and well being of children, child protection issues, the legislative and policy frameworks which influence the childcare sector, equality and diversity guidelines, key skills required of the childcare worker and personal reflection strategies.

Module 4 – Work Experience – 6N1946

The Learner will learn how to: plan their work schedule, to communicate effectively in the workplace, deal with equality and to fully understand and co-operate with Health and Safety in the workplace.
They will be able to reflect on their experiences, challenges and positive experiences and will learn to understand the rights and responsibilities of both the employers and employees and the need to maintain appropriate confidentiality at all times.

Module 5 – Communications – 6N1950

This module will introduce the learner to the core competencies required to be a successful communicator. Looking at Verbal, Non Verbal and Written Communications and how they are used in business and in other aspects of day-to-day life. Peer to peer communications as well as looking at communications from a management point of view are examined.

Module 6 – Supervision in Early Childhood Care – 6N1973

On successful completion of this module learners will be equipped with knowledge, skill and competence in relation to management theory, the role of the supervisor, supervision practice, motivation theory and practical supervision skills. This will equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to supervise others in providing child care and education in a range of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) contexts.

Module 7 – Disability Awareness – 6N1975

Obtain the knowledge of different definitions of disability in relation to historical and cultural influences. Learners will acquire knowledge of various types of physical and learning disabilities. They will be familiar with the different assistive technology and teaching methods which will help with the negative aspects of each disability.

Module 8 – Special Needs Assisting – 6N1957

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the skills necessary to ensure children with special needs are offered the same opportunity to access education compared to those children who do not have special needs. Learners will examine the different educational options available for children in Ireland under current legalisation.

*Students taking this module will have to sit an examination (€50.00) that is normally held in Dublin but arrangements can be made in outside centres around the country. This can be paid before exam dates and is not required upon enrolment. This exam fee is not covered in the course fee/registration fee.

All participants must have access to a professional Childcare environment to fulfill the assessment requirements of the course – which is at least 150 hours work experience.