Early Years Educator – Level 3 | Carlisle College Course

More about the course

Discover the joy of working with children on this intensive Early Years Educator course.

Gain real experience working with children up to the age of 7 years and their families in a variety of settings and environments within the sector of children’s services.

This course provides you with an appropriate range of opportunities and experiences that will inspire you and help you to successfully transition into the next stage of education, training or employment.

Confidence is key for this course, and if you are dedicated and passionate about working with children and are willing to work hard, this could be the right course for you.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including English and maths

or

Level 2 vocational qualification at Merit or Distinction and Level 2 qualifications in English and maths

or

Scottish equivalent
Mature students with relevant experience and/or other qualifications may be eligible
The course requires students to undertake a work placement, which may involve work with children or vulnerable adults, therefore applicants who are not already in relevant employment will be required to obtain a State of Disclosure from the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
In addition, you must also have two references

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)

What will I learn?

Understand the value of play in Early Years
Plan, lead and review play opportunities which support children's learning and development in relation to current frameworks
Apply theoretical perspectives and philosophical approaches to play
Contribute to enabling play environments
Develop emergent literacy skills of children
Develop emergent mathematical skills of children
Understand the needs of children in preparing for school
Understand how to plan to meet the needs of the developing child
Facilitate the cognitive development of children
Develop the speech, language and communication of children
Promote the physical development of children
Promote the personal, social and emotional development of children
Support children with additional needs
Use longitudinal studies to observe, assess and plan for children's needs
Use observation, assessment and planning to promote the development of children

How is the course taught?

Attend college 2 days per week plus 2 days practical placement
Working in a variety of settings including childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and schools
Guided independent study
Group activities
Guest lectures

How am I assessed?

Observation in placement
Portfolio of evidence
Exam
External assignment
Longitudinal study

Work experience opportunities

Students studying this Early Years Practitioner course will spend a minimum requirement of 750 hours in a work placement required to complete the 2-year course.

English and Maths

If you do not hold English or maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you will be supported with dedicated lessons to help you achieve English and maths qualifications.

English and maths will be embedded throughout your course during lessons and practical tasks as it is vital to understand adult to child ratios, data related to child progress assessments and teaching emerging maths and literacy skills.

Where can I progress?

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve practitioner status, with a ‘licence to practice’ in the early years setting. You can also proceed to University for further study.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.