Early Years

SCQF Level 4 Skills for Work: Early Years is an introductory qualification that will help you to understand some of the demands and responsibilities of working in the early learning and childcare sector. This is a great course if you enjoy the practical skills required to understand and care for young children but there is an element of theory-based learning too.

At SCQF Level 4, you will cover basic issues in each area and begin to develop relevant skills such as team working skills, helping to plan play experiences and develop transferable employability skills, including:

• an understanding of the workplace and the employee’s responsibilities (e.g., timekeeping, appearance)
• self-evaluation skills
• positive attitude to learning flexible approaches to solving problems
• adaptability and positive attitude to change
• confidence to set goals, reflect and learn from experience
• skills to become effective jobseekers and employees At SCQF Level 4
• you work alone or with others on straightforward tasks with support

Units studied:

• Child Development
• Working in Early Learning and Childcare
• Play in Early Learning and Childcare
• Maintenance of a Safe Environment

To achieve the course award, you must successfully achieve all the Units which make up the course.

You should have achieved or be working towards National 4 English and have a real interest in Early Learning and Childcare and in learning new skills, you should also be committed to consistent and full attendance throughout the course.

The assessments used in this course will allow you to show that you understand the ideas and theories and practical skills that you need to go further in the early education and childcare sector. Assessment approaches will include closed book tests and project-based activities.

You should expect to take part in a range of individual and group activities whilst learning about Early Learning and Childcare. You will learn about some of the skills and knowledge needed to support young children’s development and their learning. You will carry out written tasks in booklets as well as demonstrating the practical skills needed in the education and care of you children.

Successful completion of this course will provide a good foundation for progression into SCQF Level 5 programmes in Early Learning and Childcare or further full-time study on Early Learning and Childcare Level 4.