Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 3

Written Answers - Child Care Assistants.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

97 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the qualifications required for the position of child care assistants under the early start programme; when the requirements were established; if they are different from those which obtain for child care assistants in special schools; if qualifications (details supplied) suffice and if not, the reason therefor, as they were the only relevant qualifications up to 1992. [12124/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The minimum qualification required for the child care assistant employed in the early start pre-school programme, which was established in October 1994, is as follows:

A one year full-time Leaving Certificate Level 2 qualification, The National Vocational Certificate: Community and Health Services — Children Level 2, validated by the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA).

Full time courses in childcare, pre-school care or social care, of longer duration, which are validated by the National Council for Educational Awards [NCEA) or the National Council for Vocational Awards [NCVA], are also acceptable.

Responsibility for the evaluation and validation of courses is delegated to the two National Councils.

I understand that the courses referred to by the Deputy are not currently validated by those bodies.

It is the responsibility of the Institution providing the courses to organise validation by the appropriate National Council.

The qualification required for child care assistants in special schools is grade D in Irish, English and Maths in the Group or Intermediate-Junior Certificate or in an examination of equivalent standard.