Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Finisher) - Online Anytime 1:1 Course

Who is this for?

The Finisher Pack is designed for learners who have developed an interest in advancing their career in Early Learning and Care while studying the 2 introductory modules on the Starter Pack and are ready to take the next step toward a recognised qualification. The Finisher Pack focuses on more advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional practices essential for working effectively in an early years settings as a room leader or supervisor.

Access to the Programme

Learners must have competed the first 2 modules from the Starter Pack.

Mature Applicants with relevant life and work experience are welcomed. Our Course Advisor is available to meet with prospective learners to discuss and advise on the course details, career and academic opportunities and assess your suitability for the course.

Entry Criteria
Entry criteria / prerequisites Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care or Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

Please provide details and attach a copy of either a current CV or Certificate. Learners must be a resident of Ireland / based in Ireland.

Learners applying to study on the 6M21471 programme must have a National Vocational Certificate (Level 5), or equivalent qualifications. Recognition of Prior Learning in the context of appropriate work/life experience, detailed in a CV and with supporting documentation, will also be considered.

Modules

Learners who have completed the first two modules in the Early Learning and Care Starter Pack, are now ready to move on to the final stage of the learning journey — the Finisher Pack.

The Finisher Pack contains the final four modules required to complete the full Level 6 Major Award in Early Learning and Care. When combined with the credits already earned through the Starter Pack, learners will have achieved a total of 120 credits.

The final 4 modules will be chosen from the list below:

• 6C21519 The Developing Child (25 Credits)
• 6C21518 Sociology And Social Policy In Early Learning And Care (15 Credits)
• 6C21520 Curriculum And Pedagogy (25 Credits)
• 6C21522 Supervision And Administration Skills In Early Learning And Care (20 Credits)
• 6C21517 Advanced Professional Practice Placements In Early Learning And Care (25 Credits)
• 6C21521 Inclusive Early Learning And Care (10 Credits)

Upon completion of the Starter and Finisher Pack Leaners will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of a range of perspectives of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and of policies, procedures and best practice guidelines that support the delivery of an effective early learning and care service,
• Relate concepts of leadership and supervision to pedagogy and practice showing a significant depth of knowledge of the principles, theories and concepts pertinent to effective ELC service delivery,
• Apply a comprehensive range of interpersonal, pedagogical and supervisory skills in the effective delivery of an early learning and care service,
• Respond appropriately to the care and education needs of children of different ages, stages, interests and abilities, taking account of diversity and promoting equality and inclusion,
• Apply a range of policies, procedures and practices to ensure continuity of experiences for children across a variety of ELC settings,
• Plan, implement and evaluate curriculum delivery to include a range of activities and experiences both child lead and adult initiated, in support of the development, well-being and learning of children in the context of national guidelines and best practice procedures,
• Take responsibility for own professional development and or assist others in identifying their own professional development needs,
• Reflect critically on personal and professional practice to inform understanding and contribute to the professional development of self and other practitioners.

Online Anytime 1:1 - You can start today

Enjoy one to one Trainer support through Zoom, choose whether to have your learner pack posted to your home - (€25 optional if opting for the printed pack). 3 x 30 minute check-in / progress sessions with your trainer.

Assessment

Typically, QQI modules are 15 credits and 25 credits – Typically, QQI modules are 15 credits and 25 credits – so completing the Starter and Finisher Pack (6 modules) will = 120 credits. 120 Credits are needed to achieve a QQI Major Award.

Grading
Pass 50% - 64%
Merit 65% - 70%
Distinction 80% - 100%

Tutor Support

At Forus Training, we have many different supports available for your learning.

Learner Pack

When you enrol on a course, you will receive a printed learner pack from your trainer on the first session of the event.
This learner pack contains clear assessment instructions and comprehensive material to support you as you complete the course.
The pack will also include induction information as well as forms that you will complete during and at the end of your course.

Trainer Support

The trainer provides support to learners, including issuing feedback on draft work you will submit. Expect to wait up to 72 hours for a response by email from your trainer. Many of our trainers have full time jobs as well as training with us this means they will have up-to-date sector specific information, but also means that you need to allow a little time for them to get back to you. Our trainers are current with practice in the sector in which they work.
Trainers can, by appointment, make time available to you before or after class to answer your queries that cannot be covered in the session. They can also make an appointment with you to discuss your work on a telephone call.

Assessment Upload Facility

We have a user-friendly assessment upload facility available to you.

Support with Preparing for Assessment

If it has been a while since you’ve studied, we have free, short presentations on Study Skills, Academic Writing and Harvard Referencing to assist you in your work.

Technical Support

Technical support is available by phone to 044 9349400 or by email: hello@forustraining.ie (Monday to Friday : 9am to 5:30pm).

Compassionate Consideration

Where a Learner, pursuing an award, through no fault of his/her own, is unable to complete their assessment, the exit pathway below is in place to facilitate this Learner with an alternative course. The Learner is given the opportunity to obtain the Award by completing the course at an alternative date/location should they have relocated to an area where we provide the same award.
The following are examples of circumstances where a Learner is unable to complete their project/their course:
● Bereavement,

● Illness,

● Pregnancy,

● Relocation,

● Extenuating circumstances.

Please see P9 S7 C6 Compassionate Consideration Policy.

Learner Welfare

P9 S6 C6 Learner Welfare Policy and practices are fully integrated throughout teaching and learning experiences by both Trainers and staff to effectively meet the health and wellbeing needs of all Learners. The Forus Training welfare policy is focused on the welfare of all Learners and addresses any particular challenges individual Learners may be experiencing during their learning experience. The learning environment includes welfare support provided by staff for Learners which is fully integrated throughout the teaching and learning and organisation of teaching and learning to effectively meet the personal, social (wellbeing) and academic needs of Learners and staff. Please see the policy here P9 S6 C6 Learner Welfare Policy.

Supports for Learners with Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties

Forus Training is fully committed to complying with relevant policies and legislation with respect to equality and disability. Registered and potential Learners with verified disabilities or specific learning difficulties may be given compassionate consideration and reasonable accommodation to enable them to successfully complete their programme. This is arranged by the Course Coordinator.
A reasonable accommodation is any action that helps to alleviate a substantial disadvantage due to an impairment or medical condition. Such accommodations are put in place to help reduce these barriers in order to provide equality of access and opportunity for all. Reasonable accommodations are made for Learners on a case by case basis and must be supported with medical documentation. Both P9 S2 C6 Evidence of Disability Form and P9 S2 C6A Application Form for Reasonable Accommodation can be found at the following link:
https://forustraining.ie/knowledge-base/how-do-i-a...

Support
There is plenty of support for completing your assessments - you can submit a draft and receive feedback so that if you are veering off course your trainer can give you pointers as to how to improve your work for the final submission.
You will receive clear guidance and a document called a rubric to ensure that you have all the help necessary to know how to pick up marks and to work to your potential.

On completion of the Starter and Finisher Pack (6 Modules) Learners will be awarded a (6M214731) Advanced certificate in Early Learning and Care. QQI is the awarding body.

Forus Training is a provider of education and training programmes and we issue certificates to learners who have reached the standard for a QQI award. The certificate you will receive on successful completion of both the Starter and Finisher Pack is a formal confirmation by QQI that you have demonstrated the knowledge, skill and competence required to achieve the named award.

This programme is validated by QQI and is coded 6M21471 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care. This certificate which will be issued to you by us is an award listed on the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications). This ensures the certificate is nationally and internationally recognised and has many potential uses; for example, for further / higher education or employment in Ireland or abroad.

Upon successful completion of the starter and finisher pack and achieving the full Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (6M21471) learners may use the associated credits towards a place on a Higher Education course at level 7 or above. The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) systematically links named Further Education and Training (FET) awards at levels 5 and 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) to a variety of 3rd level courses in participating higher education institutions. The link below provides information on Progression Opportunities into Higher Education (set out by QQI): https://www.qqi.ie/Publications/Publications/Progr...

The link below provides a QQI points calculator for Level 5 and 6 from 2017 onwards: www.careersportal.ie/qqi/

Applicants should aim to achieve distinction grades in the following components:

• 6C21519 The Developing Child (25 Credits)
• 6C21518 Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care (15 Credits)
• 6C21520 Curriculum and Pedagogy (25 Credits)
• 6C21522 Supervision and Administration Skills in Early Learning and Care (20 Credits)
• 6C21517 Advanced Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care (25 Credits)
• 6C21521 Inclusive Early Learning and Care (10 Credits)