Undergraduate Certificate in Early Years Education, Management and Care MQF Level 5

Overall course description:

One of the objectives of this diploma programme in Early Childhood Education and Care is to support learners in developing contemporary pedagogical knowledge and professional competencies required to provide high-quality early childhood education and care. Another objective is to promote best practices that foster children’s holistic development while ensuring safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments.

The course covers a wide range of topics related to early childhood education and care, including child development, pedagogical approaches, literacy and language acquisition, behaviour management, curriculum planning, safeguarding, and the role of play in children’s learning. It also explores the importance of working collaboratively with families, multidisciplinary professionals, regulators, and the wider community to promote positive outcomes for young children.

This is a comprehensive programme based on contemporary educational theories and evidence-based practices that emphasise the effective use of resources to enhance children’s learning and wellbeing. In doing so, practitioners will be equipped to create stimulating learning environments that maximise children’s potential while making effective use of available physical, technological, and human resources.

The course is specifically designed for current and aspiring early years practitioners seeking to enhance their professional knowledge and practical expertise within early childhood settings. Its core objective is to develop reflective, competent, and confident professionals capable of delivering high-quality education and care while contributing to continuous improvement within the early years sector.

Upon successful completion, graduates will be equipped to:

1. Apply contemporary theories of child development and early childhood education to professional practice.
2. Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote children’s holistic growth.
3. Foster children’s literacy, language, communication, and social-emotional development through effective pedagogical strategies.
4. Create inclusive, safe, and culturally responsive learning environments that support the diverse needs of all children.
5. Demonstrate competence in behaviour management, safeguarding, and the implementation of relevant policies and procedures.
6. Engage effectively with parents, families, and multidisciplinary professionals to support children’s learning and wellbeing.
7. Integrate digital technologies and innovative teaching approaches to enhance early childhood learning experiences.
8. Promote children’s learning through play, outdoor education, and child-centred approaches that encourage creativity and exploration.
9. Critically evaluate current research, policies, and developments in early childhood education to inform professional practice.
10. Apply problem-solving, reflective practice, and critical thinking to address challenges within early years settings.
11. Uphold ethical standards while advocating for children’s rights, inclusion, equality, and high-quality early childhood provision.
12. Conduct independent research and contribute to the continuous development and improvement of early childhood education and care.

Overall, the programme prepares participants to become competent and reflective early years professionals capable of delivering high-quality education and care, promoting children’s development and wellbeing, and contributing positively to the advancement of the early years education and care sector.

Moreover, the course will be delivered through synchronous online lectures, case studies, practical scenarios, and peer discussions to ensure an in-depth and engaging teaching and learning experience, using the latest educational methodologies alongside real-world examples and professional practice.

Target Audience:

This programme aims to prepare individuals working, or intending to work, in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and professional competences required to deliver high-quality education and care for young children. The programme is targeted towards practitioners employed in early years educational settings who wish to further their academic and professional development within the sector. It is also intended for individuals planning to pursue a career working with children between the ages of 0 and 7 years in a variety of early childhood education and care environments.

The programme is designed for learners who have successfully obtained an MQF Level 4 qualification in Early Childhood Education, Childcare, or another related field and who wish to advance their knowledge and practical expertise. It is suitable for both full-time and part-time practitioners seeking to enhance their professional competences while promoting high standards of practice within early years settings. Participants will develop the necessary knowledge and practical skills to support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, and inclusion while working collaboratively with families and other professionals.

The target audience is learners holding one of the following qualifications:

• Certificate in Child Care Work for Children Aged 0–3 (MQF Level 4, 45 ECTS) together with a top-up of 15 ECTS; or
• An MQF Level 4 qualification in Childcare comprising 60 ECTS; or
• An equivalent MQF Level 4 qualification in a related area of study carrying 60 ECTS.

Applicants must also either:

• Complete at least 180 hours of supervised practice placement within an early years educational setting; or
• Be employed within an early years educational setting and complete the relevant hours at their place of work.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Undergraduate in Early Childhood Education and Care, graduates will be equipped to apply contemporary theories of child development and early childhood pedagogy within a range of educational settings; design, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences; and use evidence-based practices, curriculum planning and reflective approaches to enhance children’s learning, wellbeing and overall development. Graduates will be able to critically evaluate early childhood policies, frameworks and professional practices while promoting inclusive education, safeguarding children’s rights and fostering culturally responsive learning environments. They will also develop strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving and reflective practice skills, enabling them to work effectively with children, families, colleagues and multidisciplinary professionals. Throughout the programme, learners will be encouraged to demonstrate ethical, inclusive and child-centred practice while integrating innovative teaching approaches and digital technologies into early childhood education and care.

Module Learning Outcomes

D.1 Manage and Promote Wellbeing and Establishing Care Routines in the Early Years – 4 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to develop the knowledge, leadership skills and professional judgement required to manage and promote children’s wellbeing and establish effective care routines within early years settings. Learners will critically examine the principles of child wellbeing, health, safety, resilience and play-based learning while designing, implementing and evaluating age-appropriate care routines that respond to children’s individual needs. The module develops learners’ ability to lead teams, promote reflective practice, ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety and risk-management requirements, and create environments that foster children’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to collaborate with families and colleagues, support healthy lifestyles and resilience, implement evidence-informed approaches to wellbeing and continuously improve practice to enhance the quality of care and early years provision.

D.2 Manage and Organise Activities and Experiences to Promote Children’s Speech, Language and Positive Behaviour – 4 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module develops learners’ ability to plan, organise and lead activities that promote children’s speech, language, communication and positive behaviour within inclusive early years settings. Learners will critically examine theories of language acquisition, play and behaviour management, evaluate strategies that support communication and positive relationships, and design developmentally appropriate learning experiences that foster children’s social, emotional and linguistic development. The module also develops learners’ leadership skills by enabling them to evaluate behaviour policies, guide colleagues in implementing effective practice, create stimulating play environments and reflect on professional practice. Learners will strengthen their ability to use evidence-informed approaches to improve communication, manage behaviour positively and enhance outcomes for children through collaborative and reflective leadership.

D.3 Understand and Lead Children’s Early Education and Development from Birth to 7 Years – 4 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to develop a comprehensive understanding of children’s development from birth to seven years and apply this knowledge to effective leadership within early years settings. Learners will critically examine theories of child development, attachment, play, assessment and early intervention while evaluating typical and atypical patterns of development and the impact of transitions on children’s learning and wellbeing. The module develops learners’ ability to plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences, lead assessment and intervention processes, create inclusive educational plans and support holistic child development. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to collaborate with families and colleagues, apply evidence-informed pedagogical approaches and lead practice that promotes positive developmental outcomes for every child.

D.4 Developing Children’s Emergent Literacy Skills – 3 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to promote children’s emergent literacy through language-rich, play-based learning environments. Learners will critically examine theories of language, communication and early literacy development while evaluating approaches that support speaking, listening, reading, writing and phonics from birth to seven years. The module develops learners’ ability to design, implement and assess engaging literacy experiences, create environments that encourage communication and sustained shared thinking, and identify appropriate strategies to support children’s individual literacy needs. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to integrate appropriate digital resources, apply reflective practice and lead high-quality literacy provision that supports children’s lifelong learning and communication development.

D.5 Developing Children’s Emergent Mathematical Skills – 3 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to develop the knowledge and practical skills required to promote children’s emergent mathematical understanding through developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences. Learners will critically examine theories of early mathematical development and evaluate strategies that foster number sense, problem-solving, logical reasoning and mathematical thinking in young children. The module develops learners’ ability to design stimulating mathematical learning environments, implement activities that integrate counting, measuring, sorting, pattern recognition and spatial awareness, and assess children’s mathematical progress through observation and reflective practice. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to create inclusive learning opportunities, integrate appropriate digital technologies and lead high-quality mathematical provision that supports children’s confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning.

D.6 Develop Policies and Procedures to Manage Risk Including the Safeguarding of Children in the Early Years Setting – 4 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module equips learners with the knowledge, leadership skills and professional competence required to develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures that promote health, safety, risk management and the safeguarding of children within early years settings. Learners will critically examine relevant legislation, safeguarding frameworks and risk-management principles while evaluating organisational policies and practices that protect children’s wellbeing. The module develops learners’ ability to lead safeguarding initiatives, conduct and review risk assessments, implement effective health and safety procedures, manage emergencies and support colleagues in maintaining safe, inclusive and nurturing environments. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to foster a culture of vigilance, resilience and accountability, ensuring that safeguarding practice remains ethical, evidence-informed and centred on the best interests of every child.

D.7 Champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – 3 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to develop the knowledge, leadership skills and professional understanding required to champion equality, diversity and inclusion within early years settings. Learners will critically examine legislation, policies and theoretical perspectives relating to inclusion, children’s rights and anti-discriminatory practice while evaluating systems and procedures that promote equitable opportunities for all children. The module develops learners’ ability to design inclusive play environments, lead culturally responsive practice, challenge discrimination and implement strategies that respect individual differences and diverse backgrounds. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to collaborate with families, colleagues and community partners, advocate for inclusive policies and foster environments that promote belonging, participation, respect and positive outcomes for every child.

D.8 Team Management, Partnership Building and Professional Development in the Early Years – 6 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module develops learners’ ability to lead and manage teams, build effective partnerships and promote continuous professional development within early years settings. Learners will critically examine leadership theories, team dynamics and collaborative working practices while evaluating strategies that enhance communication, accountability and organisational performance. The module enables learners to develop effective approaches to mentoring, coaching and supporting colleagues, establish productive relationships with families and external agencies, and promote a shared vision that places children’s learning and play at the centre of practice. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to lead professional development initiatives, encourage reflective practice, manage change effectively and foster collaborative cultures that support high-quality early years education and care.

D.9 Quality Provision Including the Development and Use of Records and Reports – 4 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module equips learners with the knowledge and professional skills required to promote quality provision through the effective development, management and use of records, reports and assessment processes within early years settings. Learners will critically examine quality assurance principles, statutory requirements and documentation procedures while evaluating how accurate record-keeping supports children’s learning, wellbeing and safeguarding. The module develops learners’ ability to produce clear, legally compliant and evidence-informed records, monitor children’s progress through observation and assessment, and use documentation to inform planning and continuous improvement. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to evaluate organisational practice, uphold children’s rights and contribute to high-quality, child-centred provision through effective leadership and reflective decision-making.

D.10 Practice Placement – 10 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to apply and critically evaluate the knowledge, skills and professional values developed throughout the programme within an authentic early years setting. Learners will gain practical experience in leading and supporting teams, managing learning environments and implementing play-based approaches that promote children’s holistic development. The module develops learners’ ability to apply theory to practice, reflect critically on professional experiences, communicate effectively with colleagues, families and other stakeholders, and demonstrate leadership in planning, assessment and daily practice. Through supervised placement, professional mentoring and reflective evaluation, learners will strengthen their confidence, professional judgement and decision-making while demonstrating competence in delivering safe, inclusive and high-quality early years education and care.

Programme Structure:

Hours of Total Learning

The programme carries 45 ECTS, equivalent to 1,125 total learning hours, based on the principle that 1 ECTS equals 25 hours of learning.

Overall Programme

Breakdown by Module