AU491 · Level 6 · 2 years

Early Childhood Education and Care

Atlantic Technological University - Galway / Mayo · Connacht

2026 Round 1 points

185

Points have stayed about the same since 2023.

How do your points compare?

Don't know your points? Use the CAO points calculator.

About this course

This Level 6 course prepares you to work with young children in early years settings. It looks at the role of an early childhood educator, covering children from birth to six.

How long
2 years
What you study
You study how children develop and learn, play and creativity, curriculum, health, safety and well-being, and inclusion and diversity. There are also modules on psychology, sociology, and building good relationships with children and adults.
Placement and abroad
You spend 12 hours every week of study on placement in an early-years setting.
Where it can lead
The course is a base for a professional career in early childhood care, and for further study.
Who it suits
Suits students who enjoy being around young children and want a caring, practical career in early years education.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Welfare

Focuses on social care and community support roles

These courses involve learning about the systems, policies, and practices that support the well-being of individuals and communities. This field focuses on understanding social justice, inequality, human behavior, social policy, and supporting vulnerable populations. E.g. Social Care, Community and Youth Work, Early Childhood Care.

Points history

2023182202418720251632026185

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026185Published after the final round
2025 163163368
2024 187187377
2023 182182389

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • English or Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6 or Foundation F2
  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6 or Foundation F2

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the Atlantic Technological University - Galway / Mayo website ↗

Is Early Childhood Education and Care right for you?

Points tell you if you can get in. They don't tell you if you'll enjoy it. The CAO Interest Test matches your interests to more than 1,400 CAO courses, including courses in Welfare, and shows which ones fit your points.

Take the CAO Interest Test Try the free test first

Similar courses in Welfare

Level 6 courses with the closest 2026 Round 1 points.

Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.