Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2012
229. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider increasing the minimum qualification criteria for those delivering the early childhood care and education programme; if she will apply a minimum qualification criteria to everyone working in early education and childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43083/12]
View answerThe minimum qualification requirements have, in fact, been increased for those delivering the early childhood care and education (ECCE) programme. During the 2010-2012 period, there was an interim qualifying period whereby a person who did not hold a recognised qualification at the equivalent of Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ) but could demonstrate that he/she had a certified award in ECCE that included significant content covering the core knowledge areas of child development, early learning, health and welfare, and provided they had at least 2 years experience of working in a position of responsibility, was able to work as a preschool leader. For the 2012-2014 period, all early years practitioners working as a preschool leader entering into contract for the first time, must hold a major award at a minimum of Level 5 on the NFQ.
A higher capitation rate continues to be available to services participating in the ECCE programme in which all childcare workers have qualification levels above the minimum requirements for the programme i.e. where all the Preschool Leaders in the sessional service room hold a Bachelor degree in childhood/early education (minimum of Level 7 on the NFQ or equivalent) and have 3 years experience working in the sector, and where all the Preschool Assistants in the service hold a relevant major award in childcare/early education at level 5 on the NFQ or its equivalent.
It is my objective to incrementally develop the ECCE programme over the term of this Government as resources permit. The early years sector has been given a guarantee that any change to the minimum qualification levels will be announced with two years notice to facilitate early years services to adjust to the new requirements. This type of notice is also necessary if State funded training providers are to develop programmes of learning in a flexible manner that will facilitate early years practitioners already working in the sector. Issues relating to increasing quality will be considered as part of the Early Years Strategy which is currently being developed by my Office.
