Mary Coughlan
Ceist:134 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the locations where childcare assistants are employed by her Department; and the training, if any, needed for such a position. [2556/97]
Written Answers. - Child care Assistants.
Childcare assistants are employed to support teaching staff in special schools and special classes catering for children with disabilities. These childcare assistants must have been awarded at least a grade D (or pass) in Irish, English and Mathematics in the Junior Certificate examination or in an examination of equivalent standard.
Childcare assistants are also employed by schools under the Early Start pre-school programme. The minimum qualification for childcare assistants employed under this programme is a one year full-time post leaving certificate level 2 qualification validated by the National Council for Vocational Awards, "The National Vocational Certificate: Community & Health Services — Childcare, Level 2" or equivalent qualification. Full-time courses in childcare, pre-school care or social care, of longer duration, which are validated by the National Council for Vocational Awards or the National Council for Educational Awards or equivalent qualifications are also acceptable.