Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care - QQI level 6
The Early Learning and Care QQI Level 6 Certificate is a comprehensive programme designed for professionals in Early Childhood Education, with a focus on the children they engage with.
This two-stage programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to work autonomously under supervision, while promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children aged 0-6. Graduates will also be prepared to take on leadership roles within early learning and care (ELC) settings.
Delivered through live online webinars, face to face classes and access to associated reading material.
Course Details
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care - QQI level 6
Anastasija O’Brien
Anastasija has a very multicultural work background having worked in Early Years Education and Care sector in Lithuania, United Arab Emirates and Ireland for over 14 years. She holds an MA degree in Early Years Education and Leadership from University College London and is currently doing a Postgraduate Diploma in Further, Adult & Community Education in University College Cork. Her particular areas of interest are high-quality service provision, child-led inquiry based play and learning, early literacy, The Reggio Emilia Approach, emotional self-regulation in children and outdoor play. She is passionate about sharing information and best practice with others in a supportive and interactive way and understands the dedication required when studying online.
Katie Clarke
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 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.
Course Award
A City College Dublin Professional Diploma Course is a focused, practical programme designed and delivered by an industry practitioner, that consolidates, upskills or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications that indicate that you have been trained in a particular area or specific subject matter.
City College Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study here by their organisation.
Related minor awards
Students can avail of an option to study the following minor awards, which can be purchased individually and outside of the above major award.
Available Blended Online
The purpose of this minor award is to provide learners with an opportunity to upskill and further develop their knowledge, skills and competence to effectively lead teams within an ELC context. The programme will provide learners with a framework for the identification and development of key leadership skills and competencies. On completion of this programme learners will also be able to recognise the key stakeholder groups within their organisational setting and develop leadership strategies to communicate and manage professional relationships. Learners will reflect on and evaluate their own leadership skills, styles and effectiveness and engage with Personal Development Planning to improve own effectiveness.
The purpose of this minor award is to provide learners with an opportunity to upskill and develop their knowledge and understanding of inclusivity, equality and diversity in Early Learning and Care practice in Ireland. Learners will explore their understanding of inclusivity, equality, and diversity as well as examining theories and approaches to equality and diversity. They will address barriers and challenges to providing Inclusivity, equality and diversity in practice and explore practical strategies that support all children’s participation. They will critically analyse the evolution and impact of policy and legislation on inclusivity, equality, and diversity in ELC and develop an inclusion policy.
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