There are two main ways to train for a qualification for a career in child development;
you can study whilst you work or undertake a course of study. This could be at a local venue,
a further education college or a sixth Form College or other learning centre.
Below are two qualification routes for persuing a career in Child Development...
1. Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ)
2. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
1. Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ)
A VRQ can be gained at a further education college, Sixth Form College or other learning centres leading to a career in Child Development.
There are a variety of courses leading to qualifications to suit your needs.
You can study full or part time and gain some practical experience in a work setting. Courses
are also available through distance learning though you will need to arrange how to get suitable
workplace experience.
Entry qualifications will depend on the course you take. Study support will be available to
ensure your learning needs are met.
2. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is work-related, competence-based qualifications.
They reflect the skills and knowledge you need to do a job effectively and show that you
are competent in the area of work the NVQ framework represents.
They give those who are already experienced and skilled in their work a chance to achieve a
recognised qualification. You continue to work, studying part time and build a portfolio
of your achievements.
An NVQ assessor will assess your portfolio and observe your work. The whole process usually
takes between 12 months and two years, but the pace is up to you.
There are different levels of qualification suitable for every stage of your career.
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Foundation Level
If you have little or no experience of working with children. At college you will be given
work placements to gain practical experience or as an apprentice you will train while you work.
Level 2
Recognises the ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a subject area or work
or study, and perform varied tasks --NVQ 2, GCSE A*-C-- for those who are working under supervision
such as a Nursery Assistant or Playgroup Assistant working with children under five or an assistant
playworker in and out of school setting.
Level 3
Recognises the ability to obtain detailed knowledge and skills --NVQ 3; A-Levels-- for those
who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others,
for example, a nursery nurse, playgroup leader, senior playworker or a childminder working on
their own at home.
Level 4
Recognises specialist learning and involved detailed analysis of a high level of information
and knowledge --Certificate of Higher Education-- for experienced practitioners who carry out
complex and non-routine tasks such as a manager of an early years nursery or out of school setting
or a development officer for a local authority.
Level 5
Recognises the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work
or study to enable the formation of a solution and responses to complex problems and situations
--foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education-- for experienced practitioners such as a
manager of a childcare setting or a manager of a children's centre.
Level 6
Recognises a specialist high level of knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the
use of an individual's own ideas and research --Degree with Hons or Graduate Certificate.
Level 7
Recognises highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of
in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations (Masters degree)
Level 8
Recognises leading experts or practitioners in a particular field.
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At 16+ years you can take a 2-year full-time Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development
course at a further education or sixth form college leading directly to a level 3 qualification
for a career in child development.
It covers children's development from birth up to 8 years old as well as working with parents and
carers and you will have plenty of work placements to gain valuable experience.
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"Child Development Career -- Taking The Apprenticeship Route" >>
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