Course Overview
Our QQI level 6 major award in Early Learning and Care (ELC) qualifies you to open your own childcare setting or work as a room leader, supervisor, or manager in an early years setting. It also qualifies you for advanced entry onto our BA (Ord) Early Childhood Studies degree (2 years, level 7) or our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education degree (3 years, level 8).
The level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care is designed to meet ELC standards and is guided by the principles of First5.
The course enhances your understanding of young children’s play, development, and learning in various contexts. It incorporates local and international perspectives on children’s rights, health, well-being, and diverse pedagogical approaches.
A key feature is the opportunity for you to choose from a number of elective modules;
- Inclusive Education Practice
- Montessori Education
- Provision of School Age Childcare
This choice allows you to tailor your qualification to your area of interest.
This qualification meets legislative requirements for working in early years settings. There is a strong demand for qualified ELC professionals, driven by increasing regulation and professionalisation of the sector.
*FET Credits
Arlene Finnerty
“Working as a tutor for Portobello has afforded such an amazing opportunity to support students on their journey to becoming Montessori Teachers.”
About Arlene
I have a B.A Degree in English and History and also a H.Dip in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education. I worked for a number of years as a Resource Teacher in the primary school sector before opening my Montessori Preschool in 2010. Most recently I achieved first class honours in the Leadership and Inclusion Coordinator special purpose award. I also provide July Provision for children with ASD.
Working as a resource teacher I noted the importance of working as part of a team. I worked with mainstream teachers, the SENO and parents on a distributed leadership model. This enabled us to share various strengths noticed daily in the children. This had a huge impact on learning outcomes and is an important element to share with future Montessori teachers.
In my personal life I enjoy running competitively with my local athletics club, having completed 2 marathons in recent years.
Arlene’s Teaching Philosophy
I aim to bring to life the academic concepts by discussing practical teaching experiences. My Montessori preschool is in a disadvantaged area. This has given me the opportunity to see first-hand the importance of early years education and the Montessori method. Building a relationship with parents was extremely important. It’s imperative to early childhood education and so is one of the fundamental experiences I share with my students. I encourage empathy and self-reflection using such tools as the Aistear/Siolta practise guide. These are key graduate attributes which are extremely valued in the sector. As is the need to stay relevant and fully abreast of the regulatory/compliance needs that impact the early years sector.
Qualifications
- Higher Dip in Arts in Early Years Montessori Education
- B.A.Degree in English and History
Modules Taught by Arlene
Early Childhood Arts and Culture
This module explores Montessori’s pedagogy and how she believed the arts to be a communicative tool. It opens the discussion of how arts and culture offers diverse cultural experiences for young children.
- Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy
This module explores how valuable early literacy and numeracy is for children to make sense of their world. It gives students the techniques to introduce literacy and numeracy at a young age.
- Early Learning Environment
I feel that the module explores the Montessori pedagogy and how it elevates and empowers the child. The module introduces the student to the Montessori method and demonstrates how children develop skills.
Course Schedule – 7th January ’25
This course commences on 7th January ’25 until the 6th November ’25.
A provisional schedule of classes is available here. This is subject to change.
Course Schedule – 4th March ’25
This course commences on 4th March ’25 and runs until 15th January ’26.
A provisional schedule of classes 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
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. Our team will help you to secure a suitable work placement during your studies and this placement can be in your locality.
The placement 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.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements.
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3You will receive by email, a "Request for Further Information" OR you will be "Provisionally Accepted" and offered a place.
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4Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed.
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
