Childcare Studies (Part-Time) BTEI – Levels 4 & 5 |
The childcare course has done so much for me. It has improved me so much. I now look at and work with children in a different way.
QQI Level 4
This QQI course is designed for learners who would like an introduction to childcare. You may already be working with children and feel you need to develop your education and skills in this area. Study skills are built into the timetable and individual support is available if needed. The course is offered on a part-time basis over one year. The commitment is one day per week (Monday from 9.30am – 4.00pm). Work experience, which is an essential part of the course, should be obtained in crèches or pre-schools.
QQI Level 5
This PLC course is designed for learners who are currently working in childcare and wish to gain a professional qualification or learners who have a strong interest in working with children. Course material is a step up from introductory level. The specialist teachers on this course take a student-centred approach to learning and use a variety of teaching methods. The course is offered on a part-time basis over two years. Students attend one day per week (Fridays, 9.30am – 4.00pm).
Work experience, which is an important part of the course, should be obtained in crèches, pre-schools, after-school clubs, nurseries, Montessori schools, naíonraí or primary schools.
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time further education courses for young people and adults. Those in receipt of unemployment payments or means-tested social welfare benefits, holders of medical cards and their dependants are entitled to free tuition. Others will be required to pay the appropriate college fees.
QQI Level 4
QQI Level 5 Year 1
QQI Level 5 Year 2
Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons.
QQI Level 4
QQI Early Childhood Education and Care Support 4M2014 (Minor Award)
QQI Level 5
QQI Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2009 (Major Award)
Minimum Entry Requirements
No formal educational qualifications are required for entry on to Level 4 or 5 courses. Admittance on the course will depend on a satisfactory interview. These courses are designed for people who are currently working with children or who have a strong interest in working with children in the future.
Successful graduates may gain entry to the Level 6 Advanced Certificates offered in Inchicore College both full-time or parttime. Graduates may also use their Major Award at Level 5 to apply for Degree courses in Early Childhood Studies and Early Childhood Education both full-time and part-time.
Graduates with a Major Award Level 5 may apply for employment in crèches, pre-schools, after-school, nurseries, Montessori schools, naíonraí. They may also apply to primary schools as Special Needs and Classroom Assistants.
“Once I walked through the door I realised the hardest part was walking through that door. I grew more confident from the time I started. The course has done so much for me. It has improved me so much. I now work with children in a different way.”
