The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years). There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their early childhood development knowledge.
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Overview
The programme enables you to gain the knowledge and skills to progress as a assistant teacher in a school or an early years practitioner in a pre-school, children’s centre or day nursery, you could also choose to continue your studies within the education sector. You will undertake work placement as part of your course to gain the practice skills required when working with children and young people. -
Who is this course for?
The programme enables you to gain the knowledge and skills to progress as a assistant teacher in a school or an early years practitioner in a pre-school, children’s centre or day nursery, you could also choose to continue your studies within the education sector. You will undertake work placement as part of your course to gain the practice skills required when working with children and young people. -
Entry Requirements
Most applicants will need a minimum of 4 GCSE’s at Grade 4 or above including Maths or English. All candidates must be committed to working with young children and their families, be creative, energetic, have a sense of humour and a lively and outgoing personality.
To work with children (under 18) or vulnerable adults, students may need to complete an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) The college will arrange this for you but if your course is not fully funded (i.e. you are aged 16-18 or on certain benefits) then you will have to pay. The estimated cost of the DBS check is £54. Full details regarding payment documents will be provided prior to enrolment.
Due to Statutory Guidelines. If you will be undertaking placements involving caring for children aged under 8, you will need to complete a Disqualifications Requirements questionnaire for yourself and other members of your household. This will be discussed further with you at your interview.
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Assessment Types
You will be required to produce completed assessments for 4 mandatory units (2 are internally assessed, 2 are external assessments from the exam board), which will include a variety of assessment methods such as written assignments, reports, presentations, evidence of work done on placement, witness testimonies and reflections. You will also be observed in your work placement and take part in professional discussions with your tutor. -
Units/Modules
Unit 1: Children’s Development- You will explore children’s developmental progress from birth up to eight years. You will examine theories, principles and factors relating to development.
Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe- You will explore the responsibilities of a professional to maintain health and safety as well as ensuring effective safeguarding measures are in place. You will gain an understanding of what to do in an emergency and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare.
Unit 3: Play and Learning- You will explore the concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children.
Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting- You will gain an understanding of how research findings influence policy and provision for children and are able to reflect on how this influences their own behaviour and expectations in the work placement environment.
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Benefits/Skills
You can build the knowledge and skills needed to when working with children and young people from birth up to 19 years. On completion learners will be able to work under guidance, in a wide range of job roles within the childcare and education sector. You will also develop your interpersonal skills as well as English, Maths and new and current digital skills. -
Careers/Progression
On completion, learners can progress onto the T-Level in Childcare and Education to specialise in their sector areas, or they may wish to progress through the levels with an Apprenticeship, before starting Higher Education and university.