Summary

The Technical Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early

Years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. there are 16 units studied over the two years:

• Unit 1: Child development from conception to seven years
• Unit 2: Children’s health and well-being
• Unit 3: Providing safe environments for children
• Unit 4: Child health
• Unit 5: Play and learning
• Unit 6: Understanding children’s additional needs
• Unit 7: Observation, assessment and planning
• Unit 9: Supporting emergent literacy
• Unit 10: Supporting emergent mathematics
• Unit 11: Preparing for school readiness
• Unit 12: International perspectives
• Unit 13: Reflective practice for professional development
• Unit 14: Professional partnerships in Early Years
• Unit 16: Professional Practice Portfolio

How will I know how I am doing?

This course is assessed internally using a variety of methods such as; essays, posters, displays, presentations, observation records, planning documents and discussions. there is also an external controlled assessment over 20 hours. Learners are also assessed through observations in their placement.

What do I need to join?

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English. A good reference from an early years setting and an academic establishment. You will also need a clear DBS Certificate. If you wish to go on to train as a Primary teacher you will also need GCSE Science.

Employability

Learners will have the opportunity to study Makaton and Paediatric First Aid alongside their course. They partake in Forest School-type activities and attend sessions guest speakers from the industry. Agencies and setting managers advertise directly to the College and offer training in writing CVs and interview techniques.

Work Experience

Learners will spend two days a week in placement and three block weeks completing 750 hours by the end of their second year. Placement will be in a variety of early years and school settings. This is required to achieve the Early Years Educator status and license to practice. Learners are expected to find their own placements but support is available from the placement assessors.

What can I do next?

Upon achievement of this qualification it is intended that learners will be able to access Higher Education or enter the workforce as Early Years Educators. This qualification confers the licence to practice as an Early Years Educator. This qualification has the following UCAS Points - D - 72, C - 96, B - 120, A - 144, A* - 168. At Higher Education learners can study Primary Teaching, Childhood Studies, Early Years and many other Social Sciences.