Course Overview
Our QQI level 5 Major Award in Early Learning and Care gives you the recognised national qualification for starting your career in the early years sector.
This qualification focuses on understanding play, child development, and learning within historical and socio-cultural contexts, preparing you for diverse roles in the early childhood sector.
You will explore disciplines like psychology, sociology, education, and health to develop a deep understanding of early childhood development and education.
You will have the opportunity to undertake 150 hours of supervised placement to enhance your academic and practical skills, preparing you for a rewarding career in early childhood settings.
Upon completion, seamlessly transition to Stage 2 of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (QQI Level 6).
The module provides an introduction to the key concepts which underpin work in the early learning and care sector and draws on a range of perspectives to illuminate the contexts within which it takes place. It emphasises the importance of evidence-based and reflective practice and provides a framework for developing an emergent understanding of being an early childhood professional.
The module aims to enable the learners to:
- Develop awareness of the historical perspective and factors shaping contemporary ELC
- Develop understanding of current structure of the Irish ELC, relevant stakeholders, and government and non-government organisations supporting the sector
- Foster an understanding of the right-based approach to provision of early childhood education and explore how children’s rights discourse shapes current legislation, policy, practice, professional standards, and values
This module will explore the concepts of health and well-being of young children and consider various factors which impact children’s welfare. The learners will develop knowledge, competence and practical skills required to meet the care needs of children in an ELC setting and to safeguard them from harm.
The module aims to enable learners to:
- Gain knowledge, competence, and practical skills about the role of the practitioner in establishing a safe environment which will promote health, safety, physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children
- Understand and assess risks to children’s safety and well-being
- Understand and respond to children’s physical care and nutritional needs
- Become familiar with current child protection and health promotion legislation and policy
- Have a clear understanding of the impact of abuse and neglect on children’s well-being and develop a professional competence to know when a child is in danger or at risk of harm
- Be aware of strategies and multi-agency approaches to protect children.
The module examines how the human body grows and how human behaviour changes during early childhood. Learners are introduced to observation as prime activity of teaching and considers how learning and development of children can be documented and interpreted through a lens of developmental theory.
The module aims to enable learners to:
- To develop knowledge about developmental milestones in early childhood
- To develop awareness about the domains of development and their interconnected nature
- To recognise the impact of a child’s home environment, culture and first language on development
- To apply knowledge about developmental milestones to gather information about development and learning
- To know how to use major methods to observe children across all areas of development
- To identify when intervention is needed
- To develop emergent understanding of major developmental theories and use these to understand development, behaviour and learning of children
The module will explore the phenomenon of play as a context for early learning and will consider historical, theoretical, and cultural views on play as well as provide learners with practical tools to evaluate and plan for children’s playful experiences.
The module aims to enable learners to:
- Understand complexity of play as a phenomenon
- Become familiar with historical and theoretical views on play
- Understand cultural variability of the concept of play
- Understand how play promotes learning across all areas of the curriculum
- Know how to organise enabling inclusive play environments
- Use a reflective approach towards evaluating play
- Develop practical skills and competencies in evaluating and planning for children’s play
- Develop a personal framework for the value of play in their practice
The module will introduce the learners to the key principles of good practice in ELC which is inclusive of children with additional needs. The module will enable learners to:
- Develop awareness about the range of additional needs children attending ELC services might have
- Develop confidence in understanding key concepts and using appropriate terminology associated with working with children with additional needs and their families
- Become familiar with legislation and professional guidelines promoting rights of children with additional needs and their families
- Understand the principles of good practice in providing early education and care for children with additional needs
- Develop knowledge about organisation of inclusive and accessible environments
- Develop awareness about a range of strategies for supporting children with additional needs in an ELC setting
- Appreciate importance of communication with stakeholders
- Develop awareness about external organisations involved in providing services for children with disability and their families
The module focuses on personal and professional development of learners in a work-based context and equips them with tools to construct knowledge about themselves as emerging professionals. The learners reflect on how they transfer knowledge, skills, and abilities to consider individual needs of children to promote their well-being, learning in partnership with other professionals and parents.
The module will require learners to undertake a placement of 150 hours with two different age groups 0-3 and 3-6. Placement can be taken either in block or on a weekly basis to accommodate learners who are combining work and study.
The module aims to enable learners to:
- Develop critical reflection skills
- Develop an understanding of good practice
- Make connections between learning across modules and apply their skills and knowledge in work-based contexts
- Evaluate practice in relation to the principles stipulated in learning and practice frameworks, legislation, and regulation
- Set professional goals and plan for personal and professional development
Limin Bai
Position: SNA & Early Years Lecturer
Limin Bai’s Story
I grew up in China, was educated in Ireland and graduated from Portobello Institute. Without Portobello tutors’ care and love, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Portobello helped me succeed in my career and the tutors ignited the passion I have for Special Needs Assisting.
I am an ASD teacher during the day and a lecturer in the evening. My on-the-job experience helps to support my teaching and my students love to hear all the stories and interactions I tell them as they are real-life scenarios that SNAs will face in the workplace. I love sharing my own experiences and getting feedback from my students about their experiences.
I write children’s books for Chinese children, it is very fun but equally so interesting to understand why children act the way they do. I write my own blog, and I have over 800 followers all of whom are parents and I receive excellent feedback from this. I help parents understand what is appropriate education and behaviour for their children.
Limin’s Teaching Philosophy
Students do not only need theories, they need support and guidance and they need to feel listened to. I instil confidence in my students always encouraging them not to give up and I give extra assistance if and when required.
I have students ranging from 18 to 65, they are all special to me, it doesn’t matter where they have worked before, or what experience they have I will give them the skills and tools required to complete the course and gain a job in the sector. I am creative in my teaching methods and this helps me to motivate my students to succeed and to keep them engaged in my classes.
What Limin’s Students Say
“We all had to adapt to a new way of communicating and learning. It is my first time doing a course like this let alone online and it has been a great informative experience which I have to say is down to Limin. Her classes were engaging, informative and enjoyable. She is a person who is gifted in many ways, one of which is teaching, be it to a child or an adult. I would have no hesitation in attending her of your future classes or recommending her and the Portobello Institute. Any child in her presence is bound to feel nurtured that is a gift in itself.” – Regina Ainsworth (SNA 5 student)
Summer Schedule
The summer intake of this course commences on 12/05/26. A provisional class schedule is available here. This is subject to change.
This course has been specifically designed to be delivered online with live lectures. Webinars are recorded and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date.
Course materials are structured to be accessed on a week by week basis and are available to download from our eLearning platform as you progress through the course.
Work Placement
You will complete a work experience module which gives you the opportunity to put into practice the exercises and skills you will have learned during the programme.
Learners are required to complete a total of 150 hours of work experience in an Irish early years setting. If you are working in an Irish early years setting, you can complete the practical element of the work experience module in your current role.
You will have the opportunity by using these skills to stimulate, develop and guide the children under your direction to develop to their full potential.
Our tutors can help you secure a suitable work placement if needed.
Graduates of the QQI Level 5 Early Learning and Care programme at Portobello Institute have strong entry-level career opportunities across Early Years education and childcare settings.
The programme provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to begin working in Early Years environments, supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
Early Learning and Care Career Opportunities
This programme prepares you for entry-level roles in Early Years settings.
Typical career pathways include:
- Early Years Assistant
- Childcare Assistant
- Preschool Assistant
- Montessori Assistant
- After-School Care Assistant
These roles involve supporting daily activities, assisting with early learning programmes, and contributing to safe and engaging environments for children.
Employers Recruiting Our Graduates
Graduates work across a range of Early Years settings, including:
- Early Years and childcare services
- Montessori and preschool settings
- After-school programmes
- Community childcare organisations
These employers value graduates who are prepared to support children’s development and contribute to early learning environments.
Why Early Learning and Care Graduates Are in Demand
As demand for childcare and early education continues to grow, there is a need for qualified assistants to support Early Years services.
What You Will Develop
Through this programme, you will develop:
- Knowledge of early childhood development
- Understanding of play-based learning
- Skills in supporting daily care and routines
- Awareness of health, safety, and wellbeing
- Practical experience in Early Years settings
This provides a strong foundation for progressing into employment or further study.
Progression to Further Study
Graduates may progress to:
- QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care
- Degree programmes in Early Childhood Care and Education
This programme supports progression within the Early Years sector.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants upon successful completion of the online booking form and payment of course fees.
Course: €1,200
Additional Fees
Protection for Learner Insurance
Option 1
30% deposit payment (€432.90), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €195.
- €101.01 due in month 1
- €101.01 due in month 2
- €101.01 due in month 3
- €101.01 due in month 4
- €101.01 due in month 5
- €101.01 due in month 6
- €101.01 due in month 7
- €101.01 due in month 8
- €101.01 due in month 9
- €101.01 due in month 10
