QQI Level 5 and 6 Childcare Courses
Since 2016, all staff working in childcare services in Ireland must have a level 5 qualification in early childhood care and education and a Level 6 qualification (or equivalent), is required by those working as team leaders. These awards can be completed part-time at a number of training and adult education centres around the country, including NACED community and comprehensive schools in Louth, Kildare, Wexford and Cork.
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (5M2009)
The purpose of the Level 5 award is to enable the learner to acquire the skill, knowledge and competence to work independently and under supervision in a range of childcare settings and or to progress to higher education and training. By the end of the course, which normally takes two years to complete, learners will be able to understand a range of theoretical concepts relating to child development and education, and demonstrate many of the skills required to provide for the holistic needs of babies and young children in a childcare setting.
Learners will 'learn to learn' and will be encouraged to take responsibility for own learning in a structured context. They will also be asked to reflect on their own personal values and practices to inform personal development and self awareness.
The award includes core modules in Child Development (5N1764); Early Care and Education Practice (5N1770); Early Childhood Education and Play(5N1773) and Child Health and Well Being (5N1765), along with a block of on-the-job experience. Participants will also complete two modules from a range of options, which may include the Level 5 certificate in Special Needs Assisting.
Upon successfully completion of this award, learners may progress to a range of different awards, including the Level 6 award in Early Childhood Care & Education.
QQI Level 6 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (6M2007)
The purpose of the Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education award is to enable the learner to acquire the skill, knowledge and competence to work as an autonomous practitioner and/or take responsibility for the work of others in leading and coordinating the provision of a quality childcare and education which promotes children’s development, learning and well-being.
Learners should already have the Level 5 Award, or equivilant. It's generally recommended that they have a minimum of one year's experience working in childcare before undertaking the Level 6 Award and have access to experience as a team or room leader.
The programme of study, which normally takes two years part-time to complete includes core/mandatory components in Early Learning Environment (6N1933), Early Childhood Literacy & Numeracy (6N1935) and Supervision in Early Childhood Care (6N1973), along with a period of work placement, and five electives.
Upon completion of the Level 6 award, learners will have the opportunity to higher education training and education.
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (5M2009)
The purpose of the Level 5 award is to enable the learner to acquire the skill, knowledge and competence to work independently and under supervision in a range of childcare settings and or to progress to higher education and training. By the end of the course, which normally takes two years to complete, learners will be able to understand a range of theoretical concepts relating to child development and education, and demonstrate many of the skills required to provide for the holistic needs of babies and young children in a childcare setting.
Learners will 'learn to learn' and will be encouraged to take responsibility for own learning in a structured context. They will also be asked to reflect on their own personal values and practices to inform personal development and self awareness.
The award includes core modules in Child Development (5N1764); Early Care and Education Practice (5N1770); Early Childhood Education and Play(5N1773) and Child Health and Well Being (5N1765), along with a block of on-the-job experience. Participants will also complete two modules from a range of options, which may include the Level 5 certificate in Special Needs Assisting.
Upon successfully completion of this award, learners may progress to a range of different awards, including the Level 6 award in Early Childhood Care & Education.
QQI Level 6 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (6M2007)
The purpose of the Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education award is to enable the learner to acquire the skill, knowledge and competence to work as an autonomous practitioner and/or take responsibility for the work of others in leading and coordinating the provision of a quality childcare and education which promotes children’s development, learning and well-being.
Learners should already have the Level 5 Award, or equivilant. It's generally recommended that they have a minimum of one year's experience working in childcare before undertaking the Level 6 Award and have access to experience as a team or room leader.
The programme of study, which normally takes two years part-time to complete includes core/mandatory components in Early Learning Environment (6N1933), Early Childhood Literacy & Numeracy (6N1935) and Supervision in Early Childhood Care (6N1973), along with a period of work placement, and five electives.
Upon completion of the Level 6 award, learners will have the opportunity to higher education training and education.
Where to find QQI-certified Childcare courses
Those looking to work in Childcare will greatly increase their career prospects by completing the QQI Level 5 and 6 Qualifications in Childcare. At least one person in each childcare centre or crèche must have the level 6 qualification, to meet government requirements. Courses are offered at the following schools in our network:
Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (5M2009)
Carrigaline Community School, Carrigaline, Co Cork • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co Kildare • Coolmine Community School, Dublin 15 • Gorey Community School, Gorey, Co Wexford • O’Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane
Level 6 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (6M2007)
Carrigaline Community School, Carrigaline, Co Cork • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co Kildare • Gorey Community School, Gorey, Co Wexford • O’Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare
Some of our other schools also run Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (SNA) courses, which can count as one of the modules towards a Childcare qualification. Cabinteely Community School (Dublin 18) also runs the component modules Early Childhood Care & Education Practice (5N1770) and Early childhood Education & Play (5N1773), and Bishopstown Community School (Cork) delivers the Level 5 module in Child Health & Wellbeing (5N1765). Coolmine Community School (Dublin 15), also runs some of the childcare modules.
Please note that optional modules offered will vary from school to school. Courses are added at other schools in our network from time to time. Check out links to your local schools on our homepage for the most up-to-date course lists.
Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (5M2009)
Carrigaline Community School, Carrigaline, Co Cork • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co Kildare • Coolmine Community School, Dublin 15 • Gorey Community School, Gorey, Co Wexford • O’Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane
Level 6 Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (6M2007)
Carrigaline Community School, Carrigaline, Co Cork • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co Kildare • Gorey Community School, Gorey, Co Wexford • O’Fiaich Institute, Dundalk, Co Louth • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare
Some of our other schools also run Level 5 and Level 6 Special Needs Assisting (SNA) courses, which can count as one of the modules towards a Childcare qualification. Cabinteely Community School (Dublin 18) also runs the component modules Early Childhood Care & Education Practice (5N1770) and Early childhood Education & Play (5N1773), and Bishopstown Community School (Cork) delivers the Level 5 module in Child Health & Wellbeing (5N1765). Coolmine Community School (Dublin 15), also runs some of the childcare modules.
Please note that optional modules offered will vary from school to school. Courses are added at other schools in our network from time to time. Check out links to your local schools on our homepage for the most up-to-date course lists.