QQI level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care – Major Award

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 be set up on a Chevron College email address and will need to complete a student support module which will give you an overview on topics such as IT skills, Assistive technology, navigate your way through the online learning platform, how to submit your assignments online, study skills, goals, mindfulness, academic writing skills, harvard referencing and supports available at Chevron College.
All course materials such as notes, assignment briefs, garda vetting and insurance documents are contained within the online learning platform.
No exams are required as all your course work will be continuous assessment. 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. 4 scheduled virtual online evening webinars will take place every few weeks. Webinars are also recorded if you cannot attend.

3 x 12 week terms

The QQI Level 6 Childcare (Early Learning and Care) course will consist of 3 terms, each term will be 12 weeks in duration, you will need to complete 2 modules during each term. There will be a break of 1 month in between each term.

Two mandatory face to face classroom days are required over the 12 months of the course, they can be attended in Dublin, Cork & Galway on weekends throughout the year. (3 hours in duration) The following topics will be covered in the classroom days:

• Aistear
• Activities
• Aims
• Learning Goals
• Siolta
• Linking to legislation and regulations
• Aistear Siolta Practice Guide
• Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines
• Story Sacks
• Literacy and Numeracy
• Observations
• Why we conduct observations
• Methods
• How to present
• Theorists and linking to current practice

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.

To successfully complete the QQI level 6 childcare (Early Learning & Care) course, 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.

The course will cater for a variety of adult learners with a minimum Level 5 Certificate in Early Years. Learners should have previously have completed a Level 5 award in Childcare and may have experience in working in ECCE settings but this will not be mandatory. Some mature adults will be seeking new career opportunities or be working in the home but many will be already working in the sector and either already be in supervisory positions or aspire to such positions.

• Minimum QQI level 5 Major award in Early Years or comparable award on the NFQ.
• English proficiency (if English is not your 1st language) any of the below english proficiently exams will suffice-IELTS score 6.0 or above-Duolingo score of 95 or higher-Cambridge score of FCE or higher-Any assessment CEFR B2+ or higher
• Sufficient IT skills

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.