Advice please re DHC or Level 3

[Rasharoon]

Ok. I need some advice and was wondering if you lovely ladies could help.

I have been re-evaluating my career in childcare and have made a decision that I would like to move into working within a pre-school or TA at an Infants School. I have no childcare background or qualifications - just that of being a childminder for 2 years.

I spoke today with the Manager of a local pre-school who told me that she would be more than happy to offer me a placement as a Student whilst I study for a Level 3. I did explain that I cannot afford to give up minding to become a full-time student but as I don't have any mindees during school hours on a Weds & Fri, I could work at the pre-school then. This wasn't a problem for her and she would be happy to work around the hours I can do.

Now I have just started Unit 3 of the DHC and will admit to finding the whole studying thing hard work - especially as I'm doing it via NEC as I don't drive and have no colleges near me. I was thinking that I'll finish Unit 3 then change to a Level 3 (as long as I can get funding).

A couple of questions though - what does a DHC equate to in that is it a Level 3 once completed (and passed) or something else?
For a Level 3 - looking at my Training and Development brochure, I am confused about what level 3 I need to be studying. I did see a CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Children's care, Learning & Development. Would this be the one for me to apply for or is there another?

Sorry this is long winded but I'm just trying to get everything straight in my mind and if anybody can help, then I'd appreciate it.

Thanks
xx

[Blaze]

Personally i would complete the DHC as you've already started it...it's a level three once completed. Then you could go on to to the FD with the new job which is a level 4.

[Rasharoon]

Thanks Blaze. I'm still confused around the issue of once the DHC is completed and I move on from being a childminder, would a pre-school accept the DHC as a Level 3 qualification.
There are so many Level 3 qualifications that I can't work out what I should be doing.

[Blaze]

They should do if you are willing to do the FD.

[Rasharoon]

Ok - now I'm going to sound really thick What is an FD?

[Blaze]

...I just think it's a bit pointless to have 2 x level 3 qualifications when you could have a level 3 & a level 4.

[Blaze]

Don't be silly! Foundation degree..you can do it via OU, so driving isn't a problem!

[sdean]

I am just coming to the back end of DHC through NEC and I am doing the Foundation Degree with Open University in October - I have managed to get funding for both through Local Council. !

[Allie]

You can go from DHC to foundation degree, but be warned it is a lot harder, I did the Certificate in Early Years Practice with the OU after a level 4 qualification and still found it hard at first

The DHC is a level 3 but it is really only for childminding, if you want to move to an NVQ you will find it the qualification required for pre school and school teaching assistants, as well as being very suitable for childminders

Some people do both the DHC and NVQ it really depends on what you want to do next

Allie

[Polly2]

You could ask the manager of preschool what qualifications she would be looking for eventually.

Might give you more of an idea.

[Ripeberry]

To do a DHC and a level 3 do we have to be actively minding? And when would you do it, after a year of minding? I just want to do a level 3 but until i have children to mind and get into it properly its going to be difficult.

[Ripeberry]

Our pre-school leader has a CACHE level 3 Diploma in pre-school practice and our deputy has CACHE level 2 Certificate in Child care and Education.
It is very confusing!