Education and Early Years: Early Years Educator

If you're passionate about supporting the development of young children and want a practical route into the early years sector, the T Level in Education and Childcare: Early Years Educator at South Devon College offers the perfect blend of academic learning and hands-on experience.

This two-year, full-time programme is designed for students who want to work directly with children from birth to five years old. You’ll explore a wide range of topics including child development, safeguarding, early learning, and psychological theory, giving you a strong foundation for a rewarding career in early years education.

Unlike traditional courses, this qualification does not involve coursework. Instead, you’ll be assessed through a combination of written exams and employer-set projects, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a real-world context.

You will also complete a weekly placement in a local early years setting, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom and develop the practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll achieve Early Years Educator status, gaining both a licence to practise and a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. This T Level is also equivalent to three A Levels and carries full UCAS points, enabling you to progress onto university degrees in early childhood studies, primary education, or child psychology.