A Childcare QQI Level 5 course plus experience of working in a childcare setting along with Garda vetting is a requirement for entry into this career. Many distance learning providers offer full QQI Level 5 awards as well as component certificates. Apart from regulatory requirements; having a formal qualification can give you the necessary skills and confidence to work in a number of childcare settings.
Qualifications in this area can also be a stepping stone towards pursuing childcare studies further. A QQI Level 6 childcare Certificate means that you can apply for a place in a number of higher education institutions.
Online Childcare Providers
Chevron Training offers a wide selection of online childcare courses, from QQI levels 5 and 6 up to a BA degree in childcare all available through online learning. Courses include Montessori and SNA (Special Needs Assistant) options.
The College of Progressive Education also provides distance learning and online courses in Childcare. Courses are validated by QQI and include options for Childcare (ECCE), Montessori and SNA. QQI levels 5 and 6 are available in these areas. Child Psychology and Intellectual Disability online courses are also available from the college.
Portobello Institute is an example of a distance learning provider who offers outstanding courses in childcare. Examples of courses include: Childcare Supervision, Child Psychology, Childcare Programmes, Child Development, Childcare & Child Psychology (combined), Montessori Teaching. These courses, on completion, can lead to either a major award, component certificate, or a Diploma.
Like other providers of childcare courses, CMIT (College of Management and IT) assign a childcare tutor to all childcare students, in order to provide guidance and assistance throughout the course. The tutor will provide assistance throughout the course, and will provide written personalised feedback on all your assessment work. They offer courses in: Advanced Childcare, Childcare Supervision, Child Psychology, and Childcare Programmes.
Kilroy’s College Combined Child Care & Psychology course is an extremely popular course. This distance learning course combines their childcare course and their Child Psychology course. The course will also help you to understand how our behaviour can affect a child, which should in turn make you a better, more caring and effective parent or child-minder.
Distance learning and online courses, apart from giving you the necessary qualification and skills to initially work in this area; can also be the ideal way to brush up on skills (via a component certificate) or gain further knowledge to assist you with your existing work in childcare.
To view more courses and information view the Online Childcare Course listings on Findacourse.ie