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
Rachel Dunne
Position: Early Years Lecturer
“I am part of a fantastic team here in Portobello Institute. The range of modules from Children’s Rights to Challenging Inequalities provides students with extensive knowledge that can be effectively implemented into their daily practice. The wonderful students we have here seem to really enjoy the variety of modules making the BA in Early Childhood Studies a unique and useful degree.”
About Rachel
I started my journey in the Early Years sector back in 2012. After three fantastic years and a wonderful adventure at IT Carlow, I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care. Working in the sector thereafter, I was room leader of the preschool room and worked with children in afterschool club for a few years. As much as I loved these roles, I wanted to build on my knowledge and found my Masters Degree. I moved to Wales and completed the MA in Developmental and Therapeutic Play from Swansea University. As challenging as this was, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Back working in the sector, I started to work with Portobello Institute in October 2018 and have not looked back since!
Rachel’s Teaching Philosophy
With the knowledge I have gained from both degrees and my experience in the sector, I approach lectures with students in a manner in which everyone is encouraged to contribute and reflect. We learn so much from each other as professionals and the ever changing sector means we never stop learning. There is no such thing as a silly question! In regards to students projects my own dissertations were based on children friendships for my BA and children’s pretend play and gender for my MA. As such, I would supervise any projects in the areas of play, gender, and child development.
The early years sector values committed and confident early years professionals who are able to adapt and thrive in this ever changing sector. I encourage my students to strive in their studies and support them in recognising their capabilities and potential. No one day in an early years environment will be the exact same and I encourage students to explore and implement different strategies using their new knowledge, to their daily practice.
Qualifications
- BA (HONS) Early Childhood Education and Care – IT Carlow
- MA Developmental and Therapeutic Play- Swansea University
Modules Taught by Rachel
- Challenging Inequalities
This module is of utmost importance for everyone working in the Early Years. Apart from the importance of learning how to implement an anti-bias approach, students also learn about the impact of inequality on children, families and staff. Students will also explore their own attitudes to equality which is critical for both personal and professional growth
- Pedagogy and Curriculum
This module shows how far we have come in regards to supporting children’s learning and development. The module explores different curriculum models and approaches used around the world. Students find this module very useful as ideas and concepts from theoretical figures and pioneers of early education can be implemented into their own daily practice.
- Children’s Rights
This module explores how children and childhood are viewed in both majority and minority countries. Emphasis is placed on the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child and how legislation and government agencies protect the rights of children in Ireland and around the world. Students learn about the role of the practitioner in advocating for children’s rights and how they ensure children’s voices are heard and respected in practice.
Course Starting 15th September 2026
This course commences on the 15/09/26 and will run until 19/06/27. A provisional class schedule is available here. This is subject to change.
Course Starting 10th November 2026
This course commences on the 10/11/26 and will run until 25/08/27. 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.
Garda Vetting
Before starting clinical placements, students on this programme must complete up-to-date Garda Vetting, which is conducted through Portobello Institute.
Carried out by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána, Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for anyone undertaking work or activities involving children or vulnerable adults.
Vetting checks whether an individual has a criminal record or any relevant information that may need to be considered before they begin placement.
Learn about the Garda Vetting process at Portobello Institute here.
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
