Early Learning and Care Combined - QQI Level 5 & 6

Start Date Monday 5th October 2026

Duration 2 Stage Programme with 36 Weeks access each

Learning Mode Blended Online

Modules 12

Code 5M22171 | 6M22169

Level QQI Level 5 & 6

ECTS Credit 240

Payment Options

instalment plan available Humm_Logo

This live online course combines the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care and the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. It equips learners with the skills to work with and support children from birth to six years, covering both foundational and advanced knowledge. Graduates will be qualified for a wide range of roles in early childhood settings or to progress to further study.

ENROL NOW

Early Learning and Care Combined - QQI Level 5 & 6

Blended Online

Delivered through live online webinars, pre-recorded lectures, and access to associated reading material.

Live and fully online
Archived for review
Live interaction with the lecturer

ENROL NOW

€1,900.00

HOME / Childcare - Early Learning and Care Combined - QQI Level 5 & 6

Course Details

Course structure

Below is the sample Early Learning and Care Course Structure, split into Level 5 and Level 6 awards:

Certificate in Early Learning and Care Course Major Award – QQI Level 5

Week 1: Student given access to the MOODLE page to begin their studies. There will be a recorded lecture for them to review. Learners will also have one hour tutor support this week via email.

Week 2: Webinar of 2.5 hours in duration – including overview of the module, overview of how the blended programme works and assessment criteria etc.

Week 3: 1 Hour tutor support via email, or where necessary TEAMS. Tutors may also upload a forum question which students have to engage with.

Week 4: Recorded lecture. Learners will also be directed to read specific units in their course notes.

Week 5: Webinar of 2.5 hours of course material. The webinar can be a lecture, a guided discussion or focused on a specific concept.

Week 6: Study week for students & tutor support, 1 hour for Q&A, assessment questions, additional information etc. This can be via email or where necessary through TEAMS.

*Academic Admin/Tutor will load module course material & reading list on MOODLE.

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Course Major Award – Level 6

Week 1: Student given access to the MOODLE page to begin their studies. There will be a recorded lecture for them to review. Learners will also have one hour tutor support this week via email.

Week 2: Webinar of 2.5 hours in duration – including overview of the module, overview of how the blended programme works and assessment criteria etc.

Week 3: 1 Hour tutor support via email, or where necessary TEAMS. Tutors may also upload a forum question which students have to engage with.

Week 4: Recorded lecture. Learners will also be directed to read specific units in their course notes.

Week 5: Webinar of 2.5 hours of course material. The webinar can be a lecture, a guided discussion or focused on a specific concept.

Week 6: Study week for students & tutor support, 1 hour for Q&A, assessment questions, additional information etc. This can be via email or where necessary through TEAMS.

*Academic Admin/Tutor will load module course material & reading list on MOODLE.

Qualifications

Certificate in Early Learning & Care QQI Level 5
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Major Award Level 6

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. City College Dublin is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.

Objectives

The objectives of the Advanced Certificate in ELC are:

To provide learners with an understanding of the role of sociology, social policy and legislation applicable to the ELC sector
To equip leaners with the knowledge to utilise a range of curricular approaches and early childhood theoretical perspectives to lead a playful learning environment.
To develop a range of skills and strategies to provide for and support children’s holistic development through a nurturing and child-centred pedagogy.
To develop the skills and values to promote inclusion, diversity, and equality within the ELC environment.
To equip learners with the leadership skills to promote quality and collaborative ELC practices and provision.
To facilitate learners to become reflective ELC professionals.

Entry requirements

A minimum Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard of education or equivalent education or experience. An applicant whose first language is not English or who has not been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English will be expected to reach, before commencing a programme, a suitable minimum level of competence in English in order to participate fully in the Programme.

Learners are required to demonstrate an English proficiency level equivalent to International English Language Testing Score (IELTS 5.5) and/or other recognised equivalent international English language test.

Learners will be required to submit evidence of their English proficiency.

Work Placement

Work Placement is an integral part of the programme and specifically required as part of the Professional Award Standards. For Level 5 programme, learner’s will be required to spend 150 hours, in two early learning and care settings, divided as follows:

Learner’s must spend a minimum of 50 hours working with children between the ages of 0 – 2.8 years
Learner’s must spend a minimum of 50 hours working with children between the ages of 2.8 – 6 years
Learners can spend the remaining 50 hours working with children across both age groups, however you must spend a minimum of 30 hours in the second service.

Garda vetting

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out work with children or vulnerable persons.

Students can request an appointment at the college by email from the start of the course to begin the Garda vetting application process. An appointment will then be arranged for you to complete the Garda vetting process at the college.

However, if you have recently completed a Garda vetting application through your workplace and still need to complete your placement hours, you will need to apply for Garda vetting again.

If you find a placement setting that is willing to complete the Garda vetting application for you, there is no requirement to complete the Garda vetting process through the college.

Anyone who has lived outside Ireland and Northern Ireland for six consecutive months or more (aged 18 or older) must provide an official Police Clearance Certificate from each country they resided in.

We do not take care of any Police Clearance in the college, this will be required from your placement settings, not from us.

Technical requirements

You will need access to the following for our Early Learning and Care Course:

A PC with Windows 8 or later or a Mac with OSX 10.5 or later.
An internet connection with a speed of at least 10mbps.
The latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari, set to accept cookies and pop-ups.
Adobe Reader, to view content.
Word processing software, such as MS Word or Google Docs.
Some courses include video, therefore your computer must be capable of playing video and sound.

Course overview

Certificate in Early Learning and Care Course QQI Level 5 Major Award

Our new Early Learning and Care Course Level 5 program is designed to help you gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to care for and educate children from birth to six years old. You’ll learn to work independently or as part of a team, under practice supervision, providing holistic care and enriching learning experiences across a variety of early learning and care settings. Additionally, this program helps you develop as a member of the professional community in early learning and care. Upon completion of the Early Learning and Care Course, you may have the opportunity to progress into further or higher education and training. At City College Dublin, students have 24/7 access to our eLearning platform, Moodle, throughout the course. Moodle provides a wealth of resources, including comprehensive course manuals, live webinars, instructional videos, quizzes, and personalised tutor support. The course is designed to be user-friendly and easy to follow.

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Course – Major Award, QQI Level 6

The Level 6 Advanced Certificate is tailored for Early Childhood professionals and the children they work with. This program builds on the foundations of Level 5, enabling you to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as an autonomous practitioner under practice supervision. You’ll be prepared to promote and support the holistic needs of children from birth to six years and to take responsibility for managing a room or area within an early learning and care setting. The Level 6 program introduces key concepts and theories in Early Childhood Education and Care, equipping you with the skills to lead a room in an early learning setting. Upon completing the course, you’ll be able to assess the holistic needs of children, create developmentally appropriate plans, and interact effectively with various stakeholders. This program aims to provide future Early Learning and Care professionals with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of early childhood education in Ireland, ensuring best practices and care for the children in their charge while encouraging critical thinking about their professional roles within their communities. Learners can enrol directly in the Level 6 program if they have completed the Level 5 course, either at City College Dublin or another institution. Enrolment via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is also available.

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

Modules (Minor Awards)

BLENDED - The following 12 modules are mandatory.

Introduction to ELC and Child Safeguarding [ PG25076 ]

Holistic Care of Children in ELC

Professional Practice

Inclusive Education for Children in ELC [ PG25077 ]

Early Learning & Play

Child Development

Sociology & Social Policy in ELC

Effective Leadership within ELC [ PG25079 ]

Advanced Professional Practice

Inclusion, Equality & Diversity in ELC [ PG25081 ]

Advanced Child Development

Curriculum & Pedagogy

Early Learning and Care Combined - QQI Level 5 & 6

ENROL NOW

Katie Clarke

Master's in Leadership and Advocacy in Early Years / BA Honours of Arts in Early Childhood Care and Education / Therapeutic Play Skills

My name is Katie Clarke, and I am an Early Childhood Education lecturer at City Colleges Dublin, while also working in an administrative office role at a large early years crèche. I have worked across a range of early learning and care settings, including leadership and management roles, and I am passionate about supporting the next generation of early years professionals. I have also contributed to the sector as an educational resource writer, creating curriculum-aligned resources and professional learning materials for educators. My professional interests include inclusive education, leadership in early learning and care, play-based pedagogy, and educator professional development. I hold a Master’s degree in Leadership and Advocacy in the Early Years, and my research explored how Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can enhance inclusion for children with Down syndrome in early years settings. My passion for education began at a young age, and I remain committed to making learning engaging, accessible, and meaningful for both educators and young children.

Laura Ward

An advanced Early Learning and Care (ELC) professional, holding a comprehensive academic portfolio that spans QQI Levels 5 and 6 through to a Level 8 Honors Degree in Early Years Education.

An accomplished Early Learning and Care (ELC) leader and specialist with over 22 years of dedicated sector experience. My career demonstrates a progressive trajectory from hands-on Educator to Senior Management, complemented by extensive cross-border experience as an Early Years Specialist across Ireland and Northern Ireland. I have a proven track record of partnering with services to elevate quality standards through targeted mentoring, environmental design, and operational guidance. Additionally, I bring over two decades of experience collaborating with parent-support organizations, alongside a specialized expertise in designing and delivering bespoke Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs tailored to the unique needs of early years settings.

Rebecca Harte

BA in Early Years, MSc in Education, Diploma in Psychology, Inclusive Education Trainer

My name is Rebecca, and I am a qualified and experienced education professional with a strong background in Early Years, education, psychology, and inclusive practice.

I hold a BA in Early Years, an MSc in Education, and a Diploma in Psychology. I have over 10 years of experience working in the Early Years sector, which has given me extensive practical knowledge of child development, learning, and early childhood education.

I also have 3 years of experience as a lecturer, where I have supported students in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in the Early Years sector.

I am also an Inclusive Education Trainer, and I am passionate about promoting inclusive practices and ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to participate, learn, and thrive.

Tara Watts

BA (Hons.) Early Childhood Education, Level 6 Special Purpose Award - Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years Programme

I have worked in the early years sector for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to work across a variety of early years settings. Throughout my career, I have worked as an ECCE Room Leader, Deputy Manager and LINC Coordinator, gaining experience in both supporting children and leading teams.

I am passionate about early childhood education and supporting children to learn, develop and thrive. I also tutor students completing their Level 5 Early Learning and Care course, which I really enjoy as I get to support and encourage people who are beginning their own careers in the early years sector.

Leila Marlise da Rocha Goncalves

Primary School Teacher, Post Graduation in Special Needs, Master Degree in Special Needs

I have over 10 years of experience working in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) sector, with a strong passion for supporting children’s development, wellbeing and learning. I currently work as a Centre Manager/Director in a childcare setting, where I am responsible for the day-to-day management of the service, supporting and mentoring staff, ensuring high standards of care and education, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and policies.

Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in early childhood education, leadership, team development and working in partnership with children, families and professionals. I am particularly interested in quality improvement within Early Learning and Care, professional development, inclusive practice and creating positive learning environments for children.

I also have experience supporting and teaching adult learners within the ELC sector, sharing my knowledge and practical experience with students and early years professionals. I am committed to continuous professional development and to contributing positively to the quality and future of Early Learning and Care.