This Advanced Level 6 Childcare ELC Certificate is designed with Early Years Educators/Lead Educators, and the children they will engage with in mind. The aim of the programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as an Early Years Educator and/or Lead Educator, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and to take responsibility for a room or area within an Early Learning and Care setting.

This programme leads to an Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care at NFQ level 6. This programme is designed to meet the QQI professional award standards for Early Learning and Care at NFQ level 6.

The Level 6 Early Learning and Care programme comprises of 12 mandatory modules, six at stage 1 (Level 5) and six at stage 2 (level 6), enabling the learner to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work as an autonomous Early Years Educator and/or Lead Educator in an Early Learning and Care setting, and take responsibility for an area or room, leading and coordinating the provision of a quality Early Learning and Care environment.

The focus is on promoting the holistic wellbeing, development and learning of children from 0 to six years across a range of Early Learning and Care settings. The programme offers a balance of theory and practice, and professional practice placement is integral to the teaching and learning. Learners who successfully complete the programme will have opportunities to progress into the workplace or into further and higher education.