Home Study Child Care & Health Care Courses

College of Progressive Education:
The College of Progressive Education, formerly the School of Practical Child Care, and the School of Health and Social Care, Ireland, has grown continuously in size and stature since it was founded in 1986. It is by far the largest private childcare college in Ireland and, more importantly, within the profession it is undoubtedly the most highly regarded. Our reputation is based on our belief that the welfare of the child is paramount, and that the best way to provide for this is to ensure that carers receive training and support of the highest quality.

Email: Contact us here

Foundation Studies in Childcare
This course is beneficial and of interest to crèche staff, nannies, school leavers, new parents and those employed in other fields who would like to work with chidren or start a playgroup. Parents who would like to get more from bringing up their own children will also benefit from the course.  The Courses aims are:
- To give practical training to parents or aspiring childcare workers from changing nappies to recognising the first signs of illness
- Show how to cope with emergencies and deliver First Aid
- Give an understanding of difficult behaviour and how to deal with it

Advanced Studies in Childcare
This six-month higher-level course is an extension to the Foundation Studies in Childcare Certificate course. Learners will gain invaluable knowledge in specialist areas of childcare. Particular emphasis is given to caring for children with special needs, children at risk and the psychology of child behaviour. This course is suitable for parents, nursery staff, childcare workers and nannies who wish to expand their basic knowledge and experience.

Creche Management
This Course in Crèche/Nursery Management is designed for people who are in management or supervisory positions in day-care situations, or for those who wish to prepare themselves for promotion to such positions.  This course aims to:
- Ensure that the management/supervisory worker gains a firm grasp of general management theory as well as understanding its practical application in the childcare setting
- Serve as a framework in which learners can acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to be competent in management/supervisory positions
- Give opportunities for the management/supervisory worker or trainee to demonstrate competence
- Promote good practice in childcare management and supervisory practice

Certificate in Childcare and Creche Work
This comprehensive course in childcare and early years practice offers learners a unique opportunity to obtain an externally validated qualification by home study, thereby greatly increasing the range of employment opportunities available to them. This course is suitable for crèche and pre-school staff, nannies, school leavers and those employed in other fields who would like to work with children, start a playgroup or run a sessional crèche. 

Caring for the Child and Adult with a Disability
The aim of this course is to Develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of the needs of individuals with lifelong disability.  The course is designed for those people working, or planning to work, with children or adults with lifelong disability in a care setting. 

Foundation Studies in Montessori
The course is designed for people who are working, or planning to work, as a Montessori Assistant, or for those who may wish to include the Montessori method as part of the nursery/crèche environment. It would also be valuable for parents who wish to know more about the Montessori method of education.

After School Care (Level 5)
This course is designed for people who will be or are working with children aged between five years and thirteen years. It is also suitable for people who are working with the older child and wish to gain a certificate in out of school childcare.

Certificate in Classroom Assistants Training
This course offers an opportunity to explore the role of a classroom assistant. It is the ideal course for people who would like an introduction to the classroom environment

Child Psychology
Learner's who wish to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills required to understand child psychology, in the age range from 4-18 years, revevant to childhood education and care settings .This course would be beneficial to Crèche staff, playgroup staff, nannies, parents, child minders, teachers etc.

Special Needs Assistant (Level 5 and 6)
This course is designed for those working or planning to work with children with Special Needs.

Classroom Assistant Conversion to Diploma in SNA (Special Needs Assistant)
This course is designed for those people who have completed the Classroom
Assistant Training Course (3.10) and would like to progress to a Special Needs Assistant Diploma.

Business Skills for Running a Crèche
This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in setting up a crèche or playgroup. It is not a childcare qualification. The course is designed to give insight into the needs of a crèche to those who intend to own a crèche and employ a manager. It is relevant to those with a childcare qualification, those who intend to gain a childcare qualification or those individuals who intend to employ staff to address the needs of the care for children within the crèche.

Caring for the Child from 0 to 6 Years (Level 5)
The module is designed to equip the learner with the skills and knowledge to care for children from 0-6 years either in the home or as part of as supervised team in a childcare setting. The module aims to promote good proactive, equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in lifestyles, religion and culture and the maintenance of a healthy, hygienic and safe environment for children.

Early Childhood Education (Level 5)
This course is designed for learners who wish to gain knowledge of the links between child development and play. It will focus on the importance of play for children and the role of the childcare worker in provision of appropriate play opportunities.

Child Development (Level 5)
This course will be of interest to learners who wish to explore the complex area of child development with a practical and theoretical approach

Special Needs Assistant Training (Level 5)
This course is designed for those people who are working, or planning to work, with children with special needs as a special needs assistant, in a paid or voluntary capacity, or in a crèche, playschool or day centre for children or adults with special needs

Special Needs Assistant (Level 6)
This course is specifically designed for people who have successfully completed the Froebel Special Needs Assistant Training programme with the College of Progressive Education. The programme is also designed for those Learners who have successfully completed other Special Needs Assistant programmes at Level 5 and who want to obtain a FETAC Level 6 Component Certificate in Special Needs Assistant. Learners should contact the College to check the eligibility of their previous programme.

Health Care Courses
Career Options - Health Care Assistant in a variety of elderly/adult/child care settings (e.g. community care, nursing homes, day-care centres, hospitals), respite worker, home carer or personal carer.

Providing Home Care
Qualification: Record of Achievement (Modular Certificate) in Providing Home Care FETAC Level 5, Certificate in Providing Home Care (The College of Progressive Education). Career Options: Health Care Assistant in a variety of elderly/adult care settings (e.g. community care, day-care centres, hospitals), respite worker, home carer or personal carer.

Introduction to Caring
Qualification: Certificate in Introduction to Caring (The College of Progressive Education). Career Options: Health Care Assistant working with elderly or disabled people.

Caring for the Child and the Adult with a Disability
Qualification: Certificate in Caring for the Child and Adult with a Disability (The College of Progressive Education). Career Options: Health Care Assistant working with children or adults with special needs.

Introduction to Nursing
Qualification: Record of Achievement (Modular Certificate) in Introduction to Nursing, FETAC Level 5. Career Options: Health Care Assistant, anyone planning to pursue nursing as a career.

Care of the Older Person
Qualification: Record of Achievement (Modular Certificate) in Care of the Older Person, FETAC Level 5,Certificate in Care of the Older Person (The College of Progressive Education). Career Options: Health Care Assistant in a variety of elderly/adult care settings (e.g. nursing homes, day-care centres, hospitals), respite worker, home carer or personal carer.

Caring for People with Disabilities
Qualification: Record of Achievement (Modular Certificate) in Caring for People with Disabilities, FETAC Level 5,Certificate in Caring for People with Disabilities (The College of Progressive Education). Career Options: Health Care Assistant working with children or adults with special needs.