The Early Learning Care with Special Needs Assisting course equips the learner with the knowledge, experience and practical skills necessary to work in a range of childcare and early years services, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to progress into the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care and into higher education and training.

Professional practice placement:

Learners must complete 150 hours of professional practice placement in a minimum of two Tusla approved settings:

(1) working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and

(2) working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years. Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement.

NB – It is important to note that the six mandatory programme modules are not accredited awards in their own right.  The level 5 QQI certificate in Early Learning and Care will be awarded on successful completion of all the 6 mandatory programme modules. The Level 5 QQI Component award 5N1786 in Special Needs Assisting will be awarded on successful completion of the module Special Needs Assisting.