Early Learning and Care Cert (Part-Time)

Fee Free

Start your career in Early Learning and Care with our flexible two-year, part-time programme, designed for adult learners and those balancing work or family commitments. This course provides the knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience required to support the learning, development, and wellbeing of babies and young children in a range of early years settings.

Learners will complete a combination of classroom learning and supervised professional work placement, preparing them for employment in crèches, preschools, Montessori settings, after-school services, Naíonraí, and other early learning and care environments.

What will I study?

Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (5C21523) QQI
Children's Rights, Legislation and Regulation (5C21524) QQI
Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years (5C21525) QQI
Early Childhood Growth and Development (5C21526) QQI
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies (5C21527) QQI
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs (5N21474) QQI Level 5

Reasons to Sign Up

Focus on childcare
Work placement!
Ideal for parents & carers
2 years part time
3 mornings per week.

Applications & Fees

Applications now open for 2026-2027. Apply here. Choose Department - BTEI - Part time courses level 4, and Early Learning & Care Certificate from Course 1 menu.

Career Opportunities and Progression

On successful completion of the full award, graduates will have the qualifications needed to pursue employment across the early learning and care sector or progress to further study in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Important

To meet the qualification requirements for employment in the Early Learning and Care sector under Tusla regulations, learners must successfully complete the full QQI Level 5 Early Learning & Care award. Completing individual or standalone modules does not provide the full qualification required for employment in regulated childcare settings.