Certificate in Leadership, Management and Business for the Early Years Sector
Course Summary
The aim of this programme is to support and engage early years’ educators, managers, and supervisors in ethical, democratic leadership and effective management that promotes sustainable development in the early years sector. The programme is designed and developed to facilitate those working in the early years sector who wish to obtain knowledge and skills through work-based learning in authentic contexts and where assessments are linked to practice. The programme supports participants in their career readiness as competent leaders and managers of high-quality provision in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings.

Important notice about this course
APPLICATIONS for Jan 2024 will open in Autumn 2023
Upon completion of the programme, the graduate will be able to:
Apply theories and concepts of effective leadership, management and change within the early year’s sector.
Demonstrate an awareness of ethical considerations and team dynamics when implementing change.
This one-semester (12 weeks) programme is delivered predominantly online, with live online lectures on Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm to 9.30pm
In addition, face to face classes will be delivered from 09.00hrs to 16.30hrs on 2 Saturdays over the semester on campus in DkIT
Please note this timetable is subject to change
The employment prospects for these graduates will be greatly enhanced by having a Level 7
Special Purpose Award qualification. Possible positions of employment will include:
• Supervisors or managers in Early Years settings • Pedagogical Leaders within Early Years settings
• Open own Early Years setting
Graduates may be eligible to apply for the BA in Applied Early Childhood Studies.
Course fee is €625 payable in 3 instalments as follows:
- Instalment 1: €50 is payable upon application (This is non-refundable if you are made an offer of a place)
- Instalment 2: €100 (non-refundable) is payable to confirm your acceptance of a course place.
- Instalment 3: €475 is payable by the end of February.
- Applicants should have a QQI level 6 major award in Early Childhood Studies or equivalent
- Currently employed in a supervisory role/manager/educator in an ECS setting
Currently employed in a supervisory role/manager/educator, in an ECS setting.
Dr. Geraldine O’Connor
Head of Section (Part time courses), School of Health and Science
Phone: +353 42 9370200 Ext 2736Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie
Caroline McDonnell
Programme Director Early Childhood Studies
Phone: +353 42 9370200Email: Caroline.McDonnell@dkit.ie
Course ID | DK_NNSHP_7 |
Course Type | Flexible & Professional |
Study Mode | Part-Time |
Level | 7 |
Duration | 12 weeks |
Fees | €625 |
Starting Date | January 2024 |
School | School of Health & Science |
Department | Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years |
Credits | 15 |
Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
Delivery Method | Blended |