Early Learning and Care Online

QQI Level 5

QQI Level 5 Early Learning and Care Course Online

This Level 5 ELC Certificate is designed with Early Years Educators, and the children they will engage with in mind. The aim of the programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as an Early Years Educator, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years within the Early Learning and Care environment.

This programme leads to a Certificate in Early Learning and Care at NFQ level 5. This programme is designed to meet the QQI professional award standards for Early Learning and Care at NFQ level 5.

The programme comprises of 6 mandatory modules, enabling the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work independently and as part of a team, to provide a quality Early Learning and Care environment.

The focus is on promoting the holistic wellbeing, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of Early Learning and Care settings. The programme offers a balance of theory and practice, and professional practice placement is integral to the teaching and learning. Learners who successfully complete the QQI level 5 Early Learning and Care programme will have opportunities to progress into the workplace or into further and higher education.

How does the online course work

Once enrolled, you will receive an email containing your log in details to your online learning platform to start your course. Before your modules are released, you will need to complete an induction/support module which will prepare you to complete each term of your course. All course materials such as notes, assignment briefs, garda vetting and insurance documents are contained within here. No exams are required as all your course work will be continuous assessment. There are no live classes or pre-recorded webinars during the day, each week you will be provided with course content to study in your own time and pace. Deadlines will be in place to submit your assignments. Scheduled virtual online evening webinars will take place every few weeks. Webinars are also recorded if you cannot attend.

Tutor Support

You can contact your tutor by email, request a call back and for that extra peace of mind, obtain feedback on your assignments. Your tutor is available Monday to Friday 9-5:30pm.

If students are struggling to understand weekly content they can post a question to the support forum and their lecturer will post a response to their query. Lecturers also have Open Zoom meetings each week so students can pop in to have a chat about module content if they so wish.

The Studies Advisor is available to support students with areas including academic writing, referencing skills and to develop a realistic study schedule for each module.

During Professional Practice Placement students will be supported by both their Chevron Supervisor and Placement Mentor.

Protection for learners

In compliance with Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 Part 6, where Chevron College offers training programmes of 3 months duration or more, Learner Protection cover is in place via relevant financial product, should Chevron College cease to provide QQI programmes before learners have completed awards.

Work Experience

To successfully complete the programme, you will be required to spend 150 hours, in two early learning and care settings, divided as follows:

  • You must spend a minimum of 50 hours working with children between the ages of 0 – 2.8 years.
  • You must spend a minimum of 50 hours working with children between the ages of 2.8 – 6 years.
  • You 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.