The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education builds a comprehensive understanding of child development, focusing on the importance of active, sensory-based learning and creating supportive environments.
What will I learn?
- Key teaching practices for early childhood education
- Understanding child behaviour and development
- Inclusive strategies for children with special needs
- Essentials of child safeguarding and protection
- Introducing literacy with digital resources
- Ways to support smooth transitions in early childhood
Requirements
To enrol in the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education qualification, prospective learners must meet the following criteria:
- Relevant Level 4 qualification or equivalent qualification
- GCE Advanced level in 3 subjects or equivalent qualification
- Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience before registering for the program)
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the course to be eligible for enrolment.
- English language proficiency is a must-have.
By meeting these entry requirements, learners can ensure they have the necessary background knowledge, skills, and language proficiency to successfully undertake the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education qualification.
Description
The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education aims to deepen learners' understanding of essential topics related to early childhood development theories. This qualification centres on both developmental patterns and sequences in children’s growth and considers how various contexts impact their development. Learners will study foundational theories and influential models in child development, as well as contemporary theories that address new trends in early childhood education.
This qualification emphasizes the importance of active engagement in the world as part of young children’s development, highlighting how they explore, observe, and learn through sensory experiences. Learners will explore how to create supportive learning environments, current pedagogical practices, and ways to tailor educational settings to individual children's needs.
Topics include personal, social, and emotional development, the learning processes of children, from play-based learning to cognitive milestones, and collaboration with parents and families. Learners will also examine how children build their identities, regulate emotions, and progress through developmental milestones, considering individual differences and methods for supporting children who may need additional assistance to reach developmental goals.
Upon completing this qualification, learners will be prepared for further study or advancement in early year’s professional settings.
Job opportunities
After completing the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education, learners can pursue a variety of roles within early years and educational settings. Possible job opportunities include
- Early Years Educator
- Preschool Teacher
- Teaching Assistant
- Childcare Practitioner
- Family Support Worker
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assistant
- Play Therapist Assistant
- Early Years Coordinator
Additionally, the qualification offers a pathway to further studies, which can lead to roles such as Early Childhood Consultant or Educational Program Designer.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion-referenced, based on achieving all the specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. The Assessor judges that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria.
Mandatory Units
- Exploring Early Years Pedagogy and Best Practices
- Understanding Child Behaviour: Theoretical Perspectives and Insights
- Inclusion and Diversity: Supporting Children with Special Needs and Disabilities in Early Education
- Safeguarding; Child Protection and Keeping Children Safe
- Emerging Literacies in the Early Years and Digital Resources
- Understanding Transitions in Early Childhood
Qualification Structure
The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education includes 6 mandatory units, totalling 120 credits and requiring 1200 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT), with at least 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). This diploma offers practical knowledge, skills, and competencies, academically comparable to a Higher National Diploma (HND) or the second year of a UK Bachelor’s degree program.
Get in touch with our course guide for more information.
Student Testimonials
SAFA ISHRAT ALI
Saudi Arabia
Well, I am very happy that I have enrolled myself in this platform. It is helping me grow more in my teaching field. All the staff and coordinator are very helpful.
DIANA OLIVAS CHAVEZ
México
It was a great experience overall, my evaluator/tutor was very helpful throughout the course. I felt very confident on my assignments and tests.
