Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses
Community and Health Services (DCHSX Level 5)

This course leads to a qualification in Community and Health Services / Community Care. It is designed to provide learners with an introduction to the area of Social Care enabling them to acquire the practical and academic skills necessary for further studies or employment as professional care workers.

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

Note: 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.

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)

Anatomy and Physiology Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire knowledge of the structure and function of the human body
• recognise the human body as an entity
• understand the interrelationship between the systems of the body

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

Introduction to Nursing Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• outline the history and development of nursing
• acquire a knowledge of the structure and function of the health care service in the Republic of Ireland
• know the various disciplines and specialities within nursing
• understand the nursing process
• appreciate the models of care
• be aware of nursing ethics and etiquette in care situations
• communicate effectively in ways that are consistent with the carer's role
• avoid occupational hazards
• become familiar with common nursing/medical terminology
• perform a range of basic skills

Exercise and Fitness Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand how the human body works when engaged in exercise
• be familiar with the principles of planning and evaluating an exercise programme for general populations involving all health-related components of fitness
• understand the relationship between an active healthy lifestyle and wellbeing for ge neral populations
• demonstrate to groups of learners skills in exercise to music, resistance training, circuit training, floorwork and flexibility
• understand the role and essential qualities of an assistant exercise and fitness instructor

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

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

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

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