Training and Qualifications
As the childcare sector in Ireland is becoming more regulated, formal training is becoming more of a requirement than before. Having a formal qualification can give you the skills and confidence to work in a variety of childcare settings and can give you wider options in pursuing a career in childcare. If you are currently working in childcare, you have probably gained very valuable experience and knowledge through working directly with children. Further training or education, in addition to keeping you abreast of new developments in childcare, can also complement this experience.
There is a wide range of childcare courses available. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland has been charged with the creation of a National Qualification Framework, including a framework for the childcare sector. The two principle accrediting bodies for childcare awards are the Higher Educational and Training Awards Council (HETEC) and the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)
FETAC Awards Update
FETAC published common award standards in Early Childhood Care and Education at Levels 4, 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Common Award Standard in ECCE at Level 4 is identified by its code of 4M2014 (where M stands for Major); at Level 5 by its code of 5M2009 and at Level 6 by its code of 6M2007.
The old awards in Childcare are being phased out. After December 2012, only programmes of learning that have been validated against the new Common Awards Standards in ECCE will be accredited by FETAC. However, learners have until December 2014 to carry forward existing minor (component) awards as exemptions towards new common major and special purpose awards, where appropriate. Claiming an exemption is a procedure carried out at centre level when a training provider enters a candidate for certification. More information on this process is available on www.fetac.ie .
From January 2015 only component awards developed in line with the new Common Award Standards in ECCE will be accepted towards the achievement of Major or Special Purpose Awards in ECCE. Learners will not be able to use component (minor) awards made under the old award standards towards these major or special purpose awards after that date.
FETAC have asked education and training providers to migrate to the Common Award Standards as soon as possible. For ECCE awards in 2012, the sector should start to see education and training providers offering courses with the identifying codes of 4M2014, 5M2009 or 6M2007. Any prospective learner should be aware of the currency of courses being offered under the old Award system. Further information is available from www.fetac.ie