The QQI Level 5 Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education consists of 120 credits.

There are eight modules, each worth 15 credits (120 in total), some of which are mandatory modules, and some of which are elective (you choose two). At Aspire Training, the programme modules offered are as follows:

You must complete all of the mandatory modules, plus optional modules, to the value of 30 credits to achieve your full Level 5 Major Award.

Course Structure

Aspire Training currently offers the QQI Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education Programme onine.

Distance learning offers learners the opportunity to complete their studies from home. Participants in these courses will receive 1:1 support from their tutors in the form of skype/zoom calls, email, live chat, and a tutor will be available during office hours, via phone call, to answer any queries that might arise between sessions.

Sessions may be accommodated online or onsite depending on a learner’s needs, location, and government COVID 19 guidelines.

Once a learner has registered, their tutor will contact them to discuss a learning plan that will suit the needs, and availability, of the learner. 

Tutors

All tutors on this programme are qualified in their specific fields to a minimum of degree level (Level 8). Our tutors also have practical experience in their individual fields along with experience and qualifications in adult training and development.

Course Materials

Learners will be issued with all assessment materials and sent a recommended online reading list for each module. Some modules will require the purchase of a book (usually retailing at €30 new, but widely available second hand). Check out BookDepository.com or similar sites.

Who should complete this course?

All childcare staff, managers and supervisors who wish to meet the educational childcare courses requirements of the ECCE scheme.

Childcare staff who wish to gain an accredited qualification in childcare or those aiming to progress to supervisory and management roles.

Entry Requirements

Learners must have completed their Leaving certificate, a Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area (Special Needs/Childcare/Healthcare) and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum) – Please contact our office to discuss more about this.

English Language Proficiency: Learners entering programmes leading to Level 5 awards are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information.

Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, stable broadband connection, email, Microsoft Office or Google Documents, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.

As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.

Work Experience

It is recommended that learners completing this programme should have access to at least 20 hours of voluntary work in an early years setting, per module.

Fees

The fee for each module is €295. Payment is made on a module-by-module basis; learners are not expected to pay for all eight modules upfront. A deposit of €100.00 is required to secure your place and the remaining balance of €195 is due two weeks after a module commences.

If a learner wishes to book all eight modules together, we can offer the full course, of eight modules, at a discounted price of €1450.00.

Funding:

If you are in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection, on a CE Scheme, or participating in activation schemes you may be eligible for some funding. Please contact the office on 044 93 48936 for further advice in relation to this.

More information on the funding process and how to apply is available here.

Next Steps Following Course Completion

This course leads to a level 5 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Students who successfully complete this programme may use this Level 5 award towards completing the QQI Level 6 Advanced Major Award in Early Childhood Care and Education – 6M2007.

Registration:

Click on the link below if you would like to secure your place on this childhood care and education training course: https://www.aspiretraining.ie/registration-form/

Protection for Learners

In compliance with Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 Part 6, where Midlands School of Childcare (t/a Aspire Training) offers training programmes of 3 months duration or more, arrangements have been made with similar alternate providers to allow learners to complete programmes on which they are enrolled, in the event of Midlands School of Childcare ceasing to trade.

Reasonable Accommodation

To reinforce inclusion for all our learners we offer customised learning support for individual applicants who require accommodations. Aspire Training provide a range of supports for learners to ensure that our programmes and services are accessible to all.

Upon registration for a course or programme with Aspire Training, learners will be asked to state any additional requirements needed so that the appropriate supports for teaching, learning and assessment can be considered. It is important that you discuss your needs with us as early as possible. If you would like to discuss this prior to registration, please contact info@aspiretraining.ie

** Although some of our courses are indeed self-paced, we do still expect learners to complete their coursework within a 6 month time period. If you feel like you will need longer than this, please contact the office.