Course Duration

1 year, full-time

Course Overview

This one-year programme will provide the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work with children i.e. to care for and encourage the young child to reach his/her potential in a nurturing environment.  NB – Programme Content has recently been amended by FETAC.  Applicants may be more familiar with the older module titles, which are in brackets below.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must have passed the Leaving Certificate or LCA. English and Maths would be an advantage (Foundation Maths is acceptable).

• Holders of a FETAC Level 4 award are also eligible to apply.

• Mature learners (over 23) may be exempt from the above academic requirements.

NB-Places on the course are limited and will be allocated on the basis of a personal interview.

Typical Modules

• Child Development

• Early Childhood Education & Play (Early Childhood Education)

• Occupational First Aid

• Early Care & Education Practice (Working in Childcare)

• Child Health & Wellbeing (Caring for Children)

• Approaches to Early Childhood Education (Montessori)

• Communications

• Word Processing

• Work Experience^*

^*Work Experience is an integral part of the programme i.e. 1 day per week in a variety of childcare settings.

Award

FETAC Level 5 - Certificate in Early Childhood  Care and Education [5M2009]

Progression/Employment Opportunities

• Award holders are qualified to work in a variety of settings including Créches, Nurseries and Montessori Playgroups. 

• Holders may progress to Level 6 Childcare with After-School Provision at LCFE.

• Institutes of Technology, Universities and other Colleges around the country may be offering opportunities for further studies. Please check with the individual Admissions Offices of any institution you are interested in attending or access:

 http://fetac.ie/fetac/learners/hels/hels.htm

Fees

As an NDP-funded programme, there are no tuition fees. Learners, however, are liable for registration and examination fees. Additionally, learners are expected to supply prescribed class and study materials.

Means-tested maintenance grants are available.