Starting June 2026

Early Learning & Care
QQI Major Awards

Train for a rewarding career in Early Childhood Education with Forus Training's QQI-accredited programmes. Choose Level 5 to start out, Level 6 to progress, try a Starter Pack first, or combine both awards in one comprehensive pathway.

QQI Level 5 & 6
4 Pathway Options
12 Modules Total
Online & Blended
See All ELC Options Get Course Details
Level 5 from
upfront price
€1,200
or from €105/month · payment plans available
Enrol in Level 5 💬 Ask via WhatsApp
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4.9 Stars1,700+ Google Reviews
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QQI AccreditedNFQ Framework
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Online & BlendedFlexible learning options
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Weekly Live ClassesExpert tutors via Zoom
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Since 200025+ years training
Choose Your Pathway

Which ELC award is right for you?

Start with Level 5 if you're new to the sector, jump to Level 6 if you already hold a Level 5, try a Starter Pack to get a taste of the course, or take both awards together for the best value and fastest route to a supervisory career.

Stage 1 — Starting Out
Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care
5M22413 · 120 Credits
✓6 QQI-accredited modules
✓Weekly live classes with expert trainers
✓Dedicated learner support team
✓Full LMS access & electronic learner packs
✓Work in early learning settings on completion
✓Progression to Level 6 studies
From
€1,200
or €105/month in instalments
Enrol in ELC Level 5 Get Level 5 Details View Level 5 Course Page →
Stage 2 — Already Have Level 5?
Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care
6M22411 · 120 Credits
✓6 QQI-accredited modules
✓Weekly live classes with expert trainers
✓Dedicated learner support team
✓Full LMS access & electronic learner packs
✓Supervisory & leadership roles in ELC
From
€1,200
or €105/month in instalments
Enrol in ELC Level 6 Get Level 6 Details View Level 6 Course Page →
Try Before You Commit
ELC Starter Packs — Level 5 or Level 6
First 2 core QQI modules · Same price for both levels
✓2 QQI-accredited modules (first 2 of 6)
✓Weekly live classes with expert trainers
✓Dedicated learner support team
✓Full LMS access & electronic learner packs
✓Easy upgrade to the full Major Award anytime
From (L5 or L6)
€399
or 8 × €51.63 in instalments (L5 & L6)
Enrol in the Level 5 Starter Pack Enrol in the Level 6 Starter Pack Get Starter Pack Details
⭐ Best Value — Combined
Level 5 & Level 6
Combined Programme
5M22413 + 6M22411 · 240 Credits
✓12 QQI-accredited modules (both awards)
✓Weekly live classes with expert trainers
✓Full LMS access & electronic learner packs
✓Best value — save vs enrolling separately
✓Dedicated learner support team
✓Most comprehensive ELC pathway available
Upfront price
€1,900
Payment plans available on enquiry
View the Combined ELC Programme Get Combined Programme Details Enrol in the Combined Programme →
Not sure which option to choose? Our team is happy to help — call us on 044 934 9400 or complete our free consultation form and we'll guide you to the right pathway.
About These Courses

Launch your career in Early Childhood Education

Whether you're starting a new career or aiming to advance your existing role, Forus Training's QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Early Learning and Care programmes are designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the early learning sector.

Our Level 5 Certificate (5M22413) is the foundation qualification for those aspiring to work with children from birth to six years. It covers child development, health and safety, early education principles, and effective communication strategies.

Our Level 6 Advanced Certificate (6M22411) builds on Level 5 and is tailored for professionals seeking supervisory or managerial roles. The curriculum includes leadership in childcare, inclusion and diversity, curriculum and pedagogy, and advanced professional practice.

Our Programme Leader recommends the blended (Live and Online) delivery — you'll receive more support, maintain the right learning pace, and build confidence through group-based education with weekly live Zoom sessions.

📋 At a Glance
Level 5 Code 5M22413
Level 6 Code 6M22411
Modules per award 6 modules
Credits per award 120 credits
Delivery Online & Blended
Accreditation QQI (NFQ)
Next intake June 2026
Course Content

What you'll study

Each Major Award comprises six mandatory modules totalling 120 credits. All modules are QQI-accredited on the National Framework of Qualifications.

QQI Level 5 Certificate (5M22413)

Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years)
15 credits
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies
25 credits
Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
25 credits
Children's Rights, Legislation and Regulation
15 credits
Early Childhood Growth and Development
25 credits
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs
15 credits

QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate (6M22411)

The Developing Child
25 credits
Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care
15 credits
Curriculum and Pedagogy
25 credits
Supervision and Leadership in Early Learning and Care
20 credits
Advanced Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care
25 credits
Inclusive Early Learning and Care
10 credits
⚠️ Important: You must complete all six modules to be eligible for the Major Award. Partial completion (such as a Starter Pack alone) will not qualify for full certification.
Included With Every Course

Everything you need to succeed

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Weekly Live Classes
Scheduled weekly Zoom sessions with your expert trainer — ask questions and learn with your group.
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Dedicated Tutor Support
A named tutor assigned to you throughout your course — accessible and responsive to your queries.
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Full LMS Access
Log in anytime to our Learning Management System for electronic learner packs, quizzes, and resources.
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QQI Certificate
Upon successful completion, you'll receive your nationally recognised QQI Major Award certificate.
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Flexible Payment Plans
Spread the cost with our instalment options — Level 5 and Level 6 from €105/month. Starter Packs from 8 × €51.63.
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Career Progression
Level 5 qualifies you to work as a preschool teacher. Level 6 opens doors to supervisory and leadership roles.
Why Choose Forus Training

Trusted by thousands of learners

4.9★
Average Star Rating
Over 1,700 verified Google Reviews from past learners across all our courses.
25+
Years of Training
Founded in 2000, we've been delivering QQI-accredited training across Ireland for over 25 years.
QQI
Nationally Accredited
All our courses are QQI-accredited on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are recognised by employers across Ireland.
★★★★★

"I had such a wonderful experience doing my early childhood care and education course. The tutor that was assigned to me was absolutely brilliant, Amanda Leahy. Amanda is fantastic at what she does. It was a pleasure studying with Forus Training."

Shelly Keating · ELC Course Graduate · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
Explore Further

More ways to get started

Start your Early Learning & Care career

Choose your entry point — Level 5, Level 6, or both combined

Free Zoom Consultation
📚 Choose your learning pathway
Stage 1 — Starting out
Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning & Care
The foundation qualification for working in early years settings. Available online and classroom.
Start with Stage 1 →
→
Stage 2 — Already have Level 5?
Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care
Progress your career with the advanced award. Build on your existing Level 5 qualification.
Progress to Stage 2 →
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Best value — Level 5 & 6 Combined
Level 5 & 6 Combined Programme
Complete both awards together in one programme — the most comprehensive pathway.
View the combined programme →

Not sure which stage is right for you? Speak to our team — we'll help you choose the right ELC pathway.

Request a Call Back

Ready to begin your ELC career?

Join thousands of Forus graduates who have launched rewarding careers in Early Learning and Care across Ireland. Our team is here to help you choose the right pathway.

Enrol in ELC Level 5 Now Book a Free Consultation
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Office Hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm · Sat 9am–2pm
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