Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
302. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of Montessori schools with teachers qualified to level 5 which are paid the early childhood care and education capitation rate of €73 per child per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37662/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra303. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of Montessori schools with teachers qualified to level 6 which are paid the early childhood care and education capitation rate of €73 per child per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37663/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 303 together.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which provides a free pre-school year for all children before they commence primary school, is implemented by my Department. Approximately 68,000 children avail of the programme each year.
It is currently a requirement of the programme that all the pre-school leaders in participating childcare services must hold, as a minimum, a qualification at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ). A standard weekly capitation fee of €62.50 is paid for each eligible child participating in the ECCE programme in these services.
A higher capitation fee of €73 for each eligible child is payable to pre-school service providers where all the pre-school leaders delivering the ECCE programme hold a bachelor degree in childhood/early education (minimum of Level 7 on the National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent) and have 3 years experience working in the sector, and where all the pre-school assistants in the service hold a relevant major award in childcare/early education at level 5 on the NFQ or its equivalent.
The higher capitation rate is not payable to services where staff hold qualifications lower than Level 7.
Where any service provider applies for the higher capitation rate, the relevant qualifications are checked in my Department to confirm eligibility. The ratios and sessions operated within the service must also be checked to ensure that all the ECCE children in the service are benefiting from the higher qualified staff.
