Level 4 Diploma in Early Childhood Education

What is the Level 4 Diploma in Early Childhood Education?

The objective of the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Early Childhood Education is intended to develop the learners’ understanding of a wide range of topics relevant to early childhood development theories. The focus of this qualification is on understanding both developmental patterns and sequences in children’s development, and how the context of this impacts on children’s progress. Learners will engage with foundational theories and models that have shaped understanding of child development, and contemporary theory that explores emerging trends in early childhood education.

The qualification is focused on how young children develop through being active in the world around them, how they explore, observe and experience the world through all their senses. To scaffold this, learners will study how to best create environments which support learning and the current pedagogical practices, understanding the need for adapting provision to meet the needs of individual children.

Other topics include personal, social and emotional development, children’s learning processes, from play based learning to cognitive milestones; and working with parents and families. The learner will also engage in understanding how children form their identities, and regulate emotions, developmental milestones, individual differences, and supporting children’s growth. The learner will also be able to understand the support required for children who may need additional support to enable them to maintain developmental progress and to learn.

Successful completion of this qualification will allow learners to progress to further study in Early Years professional settings.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 4 diploma suits learners who have finished Level 3 study or have relevant work experience and want a first year of degree-level learning in early childhood education.

• Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level carries 120 credits, so you can progress one level at a time.

Entry requirements

These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

• Relevant Level 3 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 prior to registering for the programme)

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.

Qualification structure and units

OTHM Level 4 Diploma qualifications represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Year 1 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/4873/2.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

All units within this qualification are assessed and internally quality assured by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of 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. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the assessor.

Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document. These are made available to centres immediately after registration of one or more learners.

The assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progression and career routes

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress into employment as an assessor or onto to further qualifications For more information visit University Progressions page.

Fees and how to apply

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Additional requirements

Centre Requirements

Teaching the Level 4, 5 and Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education requires a blend of academic qualifications and an understanding of child development theories. Any centre wishing to offer any Early Childhood Education qualification should ensure that their academic staff meet the following criteria:

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree or equivalent in Early Years, Psychology, or health-related fields.
• GCSEs (A–C) in Maths and English (or equivalent.)

Progression path

1. Level 4 Diploma
2. Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Related OTHM qualifications

• Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training Management
• Level 4 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring to Build Relationships
• Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management

Other OTHM Early Childhood Education qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education — 120 credits
• Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education — 240 credits