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New course
Flexible & Professional

Certificate in School Age Childcare

September 2025
Blended
1 Semester

DkIT Course ID

DK_NNSAC_7

Fees (EU)

€750

Course Capacity

20

Duration

1 Semester

Work Placement

No

Credits

20

NFQ Level

7

Discipline Area

Early Childhood Studies

Course Type

Flexible & Professional

Study Mode

Part-Time

The next intake is Sept 2025, you can register your interest here 

Course Overview

This programme aims to enhance and provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to effectively plan, implement and evaluate school age childcare programmes. The programme will allow learners to critically examine the appropriate values, attitudes and dispositions for working in the area of school age childcare. This programme will also focus on providing the learner with:
  • An opportunity to explore contemporary practice, reflective and reflexive thinking, in relation to the provision of school age childcare.
  • Critically examine the role of the adult to ensure their professional judgements are central in facilitating children’s and young people’s learning and development, identifying children’s and young people’s dispositions and strengths, while also developing their interests, abilities, talents and supporting their life skills.
  • A comprehensive overview of key theories in psychology relevant to middle childhood, gaining an understanding of working within a strengths-based approach with children and adolescents.

This programme is designed and developed to facilitate those already working in the early years’ sector, particularly those working in school age childcare services and 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 SAC practitioners and leaders of high-quality provision in School Age Childcare settings.

Course Delivery and Modules

The programme will be delivered online on two evenings (Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.00pm to 9.00pm). In addition, students attend for face to face lectures (09.00hrs to 16.00hrs) on 3 Saturdays over the semester.

Please note this is subject to change

Fees and Funding

Total fee is €750 payable as follows:

  • €200 accept offer fee (non-refundable)
  • €550 payable by 31st October

Fees

EU Fees

€750

Entry Requirements

  • Applicants will normally hold a Level 6 qualification (major award) in a relevant discipline, including ELC or other related fields (e.g. youth work, social care).
  • Currently employed in a relevant service
  • For candidates who do not meet the above entry criteria but have considerable relevant experience, the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and Procedures may be applied. Learn more about RPL at DkIT
  • As part of the RPL process, candidates may be called for interview.

Ask us a Question

If you have a question about the Certificate in School Age Childcare please ask it below and we will get back to you.


Dr. Geraldine O’Connor

Head of Section (Part time courses School of Health and Science)

Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie

Caroline McDonnell

Programme Director Early Childhood Studies

Email: Caroline.McDonnell@dkit.ie

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).