In 1 year, you will be qualified to work in a variety of early learning and care settings for young children as a Childcare Assistant, and as an Independent You can work in creches, playschools, after-school care, montessori groups, ECCE community creches, Naíonraí, Forest pre- schools, your own home, or a child’s family home.
Placement involves 6 weeks of work placement which is central to learning and This is 1 day per week all year, and 2 blocks of two-weeks each where you are fully immersed in your work placement. Placements include creches, playschools, after-school care, montessori groups, ECCE community creches, Naíonraí, Forest pre- schools, and child advocacy organisations.
| College | City of Dublin FET College Ballyfermot |
| Course ID | 203202 |
| Course Location | Ballyfermot, Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 10 |
| Course Type | Classroom Based |
| Course Qualification | Level 5 Certificate |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care |
| Course Start Date | 16th September 2026 |
| Course End Date | 28th May 2027 |
| Course Duration | 1 Year |
| Course Fee | €150 |
| Entry Requirements | Standard minimum entry requirements for all courses in this college Minimum statutory school leaving age (16+) CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 and Level 6 courses for those whose first language is not English. Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees. Please refer to Information for international students. A PPS number is required for registration. Please refer to How to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number. The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+) Minimum entry requirements for all level 5 courses QQI Level 4 award or equivalent Five O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate |
| Career Path | Graduates with a merit profile can automatically progress to the Advanced Certificate in Social Care Studies Level 6, (SVC) in BCFE. Graduates who successfully pass can progress into Advanced Early Learning and Care Level 6 (offered elsehwere). Top-up to a Level 8 degree in two years (after Level 6) under the new CAO direct progression pathway for the Childcare sector. Advanced entry to Level 8 Degree in Early Childhood Studies (e.g. Maynooth University) is available for some QQI graduates in the National Higher Links Scheme. Career Opportunities Graduates who successfully complete the QQI Level 5 in Early Learning and Care (Childcare) get work immediately as Childcare assistants or Room Leaders in crèches, playschools, after-school care, montessori groups, ECCE community creches, Naíonraí, and Forest pre-schools. Graduates also work as independent registered childminders. Graduates of Level 6 work as Team Leaders in a variety of early learning and care settings Graduates of Level 8 degree work as Managers and Curriculum developers in a variety of early learning and care settings. They also work as advisors in government and voluntary organisations, and as child advocates. They lead and shape the early learning and care profession. |
| Course Code | ELC |
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