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Certificate in Early Learning and Care at level 5
QQI Level 5

Certificate in Early Learning & Care – QQI Level 5 Major Award

Certificate in Early Learning & Care – QQI Level 5 Major Award
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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. 

Level Professional Short Course Qualification Certificate in Early Learning and Care at level 5 QQI Level 5
Blended Learning
Duration 9 months
Start date
1st Year Fees €1,248.00

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).

Working in the Early Learning and Care Sector 20 Credits
Safeguarding Children’s Health and Well-being 20 Credits
Observing and Documenting Children’s Development 20 Credits
Understanding Play as a Context for Learning 30 Credits
Considering Additional Needs of Children in Early Learning and Care 10 Credits
Professional Practice in Early Learning and Care 30 Credits

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…...

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 – 4th March 2025

This course runs from 4th March ’25 – 24th January ’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.

Leaving Certificate, including Leaving Certificate applied, or equivalent at NFQ level 4.
Where the applicants do not have a Leaving Certificate or equivalent, they can be accepted on the basis of an interview and a short piece of writing.
All learners must complete the Children First training and undergo Garda vetting prior to commencing placement.
Applicants must be in a position to undertake supervised placement of 150 hours per stage and be in a position to obtain Garda vetting.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate evidence of achievement of B2 standard for writing, reading, listening, and speaking at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
  1. 1
    Complete the online application form.
  2. 2
    Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants upon successful completion of the online booking form and payment of course fees.
Blended Learning

Course: €1,200

Additional Fees

Protection for Learner Insurance

€48

€1,248.00 Year 1 total fee

Blended Learning

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

Who else has studied this course?

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Early Years
Breda O’Brien – SNA Studying ECCE and Montessori through Blended Learning
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Early Years
Aoife Hurley – From Level 6 to Level 9 ‘Found A Passion’ in Early Childhood Studies
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Early Years
Ann Maher – Balancing Work, Family Life and Study with Tutor Support at Portobello Institute

Speak to an expert

Jennifer Matteazzi


I love the interaction with students.  Every day I get to meet different individuals and learners who are looking to change their lives and I get to be the person who advises them on the best programme to take. It is a fantastic feeling to be part of their journey. For many learners this is a huge decision and I get to be the person who supports them in it. There is an incredible sense of pride when I see our learners graduate and achieve their education goals.

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