Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
68. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures taken by his Department to support the professional and career development of childcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28567/21]
View answerMy Department has, in the past taken, a number of important steps to support professionalisation of early learning and childcare, including the introduction of a minimum qualification requirement, a Learner Fund to support practitioners to undertake qualifications at Levels 5 through to 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, and a range of training and CPD supports, including the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) programme.
I am committed to continuing to support for the professional and career development of those working in the sector over the years ahead, with a view to improving outcomes for children and families, providers and practitioners themselves.
First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, commits to developing a Workforce Development Plan (WDP) for early learning and childcare. Among other objectives, the WDP will set out plans for moving to a graduate-led workforce by 2028 and establishing a career framework, including role profiles, qualification requirements and career pathways.
The first phase of work in developing the WDP concluded in late 2020. A progress report on the first phase of work has recently been published on the gov.ie website (available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/26122f-workforce-development-plan-for-the-elcsac-sector/ ).
Phase two of work on the WDP, which began in February 2021, involves the preparation of detailed policy proposals by a number of working groups, one of which is looking at the career framework and career pathways, while another is examining Continuing Professional Development supports for the sector. The final WDP report is expected to be published by the end of 2021.
