Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses
Certificate in Childcare/Special Needs/Teaching Assistant
(DCHSC Level 5)

Level 5 DCHSC This course will qualify participants to work as classroom assistants in primary schools, special education schools, or in a childcare setting. The course provides the knowledge and skills necessary for the childcare worker to become part of a professional team.

The remaining credit can be obtained using one or more components from Levels 4, 5 or 6

Note: Providers - Please note that the work experience period for this award is a minimum of 4 weeks.

Learners may submit a maximum of two components from Level 4 and a maximum of one component from Level 6.

Components from Level 4 will have a value of 0.5 while those from Level 6 will have a value of 1 unless otherwise specified.

Child Development Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand the concept of progression in child development
• identify and respond appropriately to children’s developmental needs in the home and the early years setting
• appreciate variations within the normal range of development
• recognise the contribution of adults to the development of children
• recognise the value of observation as a learning and research tool for the childcare worker
• understand the integrated role of play and development

Early Childhood Education Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand the types and stages of play in child development
• understand the integrated nature of play and child development
• explore the benefits of play for children
• plan, implement and evaluate a range of play activities appropriate to different stages of children’s development
• understand the role and responsibility of the childcare worker when playing with children

Working in Childcare Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• be aware of the history and current status of childcare provision in Ireland
• recognise the importance of certain personal qualities and values for those working with children
• understand the entitlements and responsibilities of a childcare employee
• appreciate the need for continuing professional development in childcare, drawing on personal reflection and experience
• promote equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in the childcare setting
• appreciate the importance of working effectively with parents and as part of a childcare team

Caring for Children 0-6 years Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand the responsibilities involved in caring for children
• care for the physical needs of children from 0-6 years
• promote good practice in caring for children
• maintain an environment for children that is healthy, hygienic and safe

Communications Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop an awareness of the essential role played by communication in human interaction
• acquire communication skills relevant to vocational and personal development
• understand the communicative principles and practices involved in gathering and relaying information
• acquire the skills and confidence to convey and interpret meaning, in writing, orally and visually
• develop a critical awareness of communications messages and media
• explore the use of modern communication and information technology, and its application in personal and vocational life

Work Experience Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop critical awareness of the changing nature of work
• set achievable goals for work experience
• utilise learning opportunities presented in the work environment
• apply work skills to consolidate learning in the vocational area
• understand how work is planned and organised at different levels in a specific vocational area
• appreciate the importance of safety and welfare in the workplace
• develop capabilities, both personal and vocational, to successfully meet challenges in the workplace
• review career choices in the light of their own aspirations, experience, abilities and available options
• explore future employment opportunities (including opportunities for self employment, contract work, work in the social economy, etc)

Word Processing Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire a thorough working knowledge of a word processing package
• be familiar with an operating system
• develop the skills of personal initiative and resourcefulness
• develop good work practices in relation to the use of the computer, printer and materials
• acquire the skills necessary to produce attractive documents to mailable standard

Legal Studies Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop a general understanding of the Irish legal system
• evaluate the impact of the law on their personal and vocational lives
• develop skills in evaluation and analysis
• be familiar with the language, procedures and documents related to the law in their vocational area
• appreciate the importance of respecting confidentiality in all legal communications and business transactions

Nutrition Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• be familiar with the composition of food
• evaluate the nutritional content of food
• understand the relationship between health and nutrition
• interpret current dietary information and recommendations
• examine eating habits
• be familiar with the nutritional needs of different groups of people
• acquire a range of practical techniques

Safety and Health at Work Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand the concepts of safety and health
• recognise the factors that influence health, safety and welfare
• apply the principles and procedures of health and safety to the workplace
• understand the importance of hazard identification and risk assessment
• promote safe working practices and procedures
• be familiar with core legislation in the area of safety, health and welfare

Special Needs Assisting Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• be familiar with ways of relating to children with special needs
• be capable of creating and maintaining appropriate relationships with children, their parents, their primary carers, teachers and other professionals
• acquire knowledge, skills and competence in the role of the special needs assistant
• reflect on their abilities and aptitudes to work as a special needs assistant
• demonstrate good practice in working as a special needs assistant

Understanding Special Needs Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• appreciate the context of children with special needs in Ireland
• be familiar with legislative and policy developments relating to children with special needs
• be familiar with the range and characteristics of the main types of special needs conditions in children
• demonstrate knowledge of approaches to children with special needs
• be familiar with best practice and current issues relating to children with special needs
• be familiar with the range of roles, responsibilities and services relating to children with special needs