Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
47. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the status of the development of career pathways in early childhood education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30618/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirst 5, the whole-of-Government strategy for babies, young, children and families, commits to developing a Workforce Development Plan. Among other objectives, this will set out plans for moving to a graduate-led workforce by 2028 and establishing a career framework for staff working in early learning and care services, including role profiles and career pathways. Work on the plan was initiated by my Department in May 2019. An interim report is on schedule for delivery by year-end, with a view to development of an implementation plan in 2021.
As part of the development of both the Workforce Development Plan and a new Funding Model for early learning and care and school-age childcare services, I launched a consultation process in August. This consultation process included an online call for submissions, which closed on 2nd October and which was open to any person or organisation which wished to contribute. In the next phase of the consultation process, a series of online consultation events with early years practitioners and providers is taking place. These consultation events began on 12 October and will continue until Friday 23 October.
I am committed to the further development of career pathways in the sector. They are important both in terms of improving recruitment and retention of staff, and in enhancing practitioners' continuing professional development. Ultimately they are critical to support better outcomes for children.
