Training and Qualifications
While there is currently no formal requirement for childcare staff to have a particular qualification or level of training, best practice would indicate that staff who are working directly with children have completed an accredited training course, at least equivalent to Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and that service managers would have a qualification equivalent to Level 6. It is anticipated that unqualified staff working in services participating in the ECCE initiative will be required to commit to becoming qualified within the first two full years of the scheme. After that time a service which does not have a fully qualified staff member leading the preschool year will not be eligible for participation in the ECCE initiative.
If you are interested in accessing any of the above courses, further information should be available from your local FAS office http://www.fas.ie/en/Contact+FÁS/default.htm or registered FETAC training provider http://www.fetac.ie/fetac/alphabet.do?check=A
DEGREE COURSES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
BA (Hons.) in Early Childhood Education
Provider: Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)
Also available at Blanchardstown Institute of Technology
This a three year, full-time programme leading to a BA (Hons.) in Early Childhood Education. It is a programme of tuition, supervised practice placements, tutorials, a wide range of assignments including a major project, independent study, research and exams.
Please note: DIT are offering flexible delivery of this level 8 degree for Early Childhood Education practitioners (two evenings per week with commitment to one block week per semester). Entry criteria Fetac Level 5 and Fetac Level 6 full award in Childcare. Candidates must also be in paid employment in an Early Childhood Education setting.
http://www.dit.ie/socialscienceslaw/media/ditsocialscienceslaw/documents/BA%20ECE%20In%20Service-1.pdf
Entry Requirements for full-time course:
Leaving Certificate in six subjects at least two of which must be at grade C3 or higher on higher level papers. Results must include OD3 in Irish or English and OD3 in Mathematics.
FETAC entry: Two places in Year 1 shall be reserved for FETAC Level 5 graduates who have obtained a minimum of five distinctions in Childcare, Community Care or related area.
Programme Chair, Dr. Annmarie Halpenny, Department of Social Sciences
DIT 40 - 45 Mountjoy Square
Dublin 1
Telephone: 353-1-4024255
e: annmarie.halpenny@dit.ie