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).
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)
Course Schedule – 20th May 2025
This course runs from 20th May ’25 – 4th March ’26. A provisional course 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.
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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
