Getting Started Guide: What to Expect When Beginning Your Early Years Career

Starting your journey in early childhood education is more than just choosing a course, it's about stepping into a profession where you can shape the foundations of a child’s life.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of working with young children or are just beginning to explore this fulfilling career path, understanding what to expect from your studies and the profession is key.

With increasing recognition of the vital role early years education plays in children’s development, there’s never been a better time to enter this growing sector.

This guide outlines the key steps to help you confidently begin your studies, understand the Irish early years landscape, and prepare for a meaningful career.

From gaining your first qualification to understanding national frameworks and planning your next steps, here’s everything you need to know to get started in a career in early years.

Step 1: Gaining Your QQI Level 5 Certificate

Portobello Institute’s Certificate in Early Learning & Care – QQI Level 5 Major Award is your foundation for a rewarding career.

Delivered via blended learning over nine months, it combines theoretical insight with practical expertise. You will have tutor support throughout your studies, help and guidance. If you are nervous about studying please speak to our team who can support you.

You’ll explore modules such as:

• Working in the Early Learning and Care Sector
• Safeguarding Children’s Health and Well‑being
• Observing and Documenting Children’s Development
• Understanding Play as a Context for Learning
• Considering Additional Needs
• Professional Practice

Your qualification will open the opportunity to progress to an Advanced Certificate (level 6), and roles such as Early Years practitioner, AIM support worker, or Special Needs Assistant.

Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent.

You can read more about recognised qualifications here.

Step 2: Putting Theory into Practice

A key feature of this course and getting started is gaining 150 hours of supervised work placement, giving you hands‑on experience in real early‑years settings .

Whether you’re in day‑care or pre‑school, rural or urban, this placement sharpens your professional confidence and adaptability from day one.

If you are worried about how or where to find placement opportunities please reach out to us and we can support you.

Step 3: Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

In Ireland, early‑years services are regulated by Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate, under legislation including the Child Care Act 1991 and the Early Years Services Regulations 2016.

These regulations ensure quality and safety, with regular inspections based on the Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF).

As a graduate, you’ll be well‑prepared to contribute positively to standards of care and compliance in any setting.

Step 4: Learning National Frameworks

Your studies will include Aistear, Ireland’s Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, and Síolta, the National Quality Framework.

Both are integral to setting high standards of care and learning in early‑years services.

These frameworks support creative, reflective, and inclusive practice aligned with national expectations of early‑years provision.

Step 5: Career Progression and Further Study

Upon completion, you’ll be ready to step into early‑years roles across diverse settings.

You also have the option to progress directly to QQI Level 6, and beyond, including BA (Ord) or BA (Hons) degrees in Early Childhood Care and Education.

You’ll finish with a qualification that meets ECCE scheme standards and equips you to pursue leadership, specialised pathways, or even open your own early‑years setting.

If you are interested in working directly with children in a fulfilling career visit our early years faculty and get in touch.