Recognition of an Early Years Qualification
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or a qualification that the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has deemed to be equivalent.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has published a list of qualifications that meet both regulatory and funding requirements for working in early learning and care services.
If an individual's qualification does not appear on the list, an individual can apply to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to have it assessed for equivalence.
To be approved to practise in the sector, an individual's studies must be of a standard at least at level 5 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications NFQ (or equivalent) and must include the following content:
On a temporary basis DCEDIY is re introducing its accelerated process for assessment of equivalence with the level 5 minimum qualification requirement for students currently enrolled on a recognised level 6, 7 or 8 course. Students who are approved through the accelerated assessment process will receive a “Letter of Temporary Permission to Practice” from DCEDIY.
A student who wishes to seek temporary employment in an ELC or SAC at this time may look for temporary job opportunities at www.myccc.ie or by directly contacting an ELC or SAC service that is looking for temporary staff.
If a student does not yet have either a Level 5 or higher qualification or a Letter of Qualification Recognition, the student may apply for a Letter of Temporary Permission to Practice provided the student:
• Is currently registered on a level 6, 7 or 8 programme listed on the DCEDIY approved qualification list;
• Has successfully completed the first year of the course; and
• Has successfully completed a practice placement working with children in an ELC setting as part of their studies.
In order to apply for a Letter of Temporary Permission to Practice, a student should:
• Complete a Student Fast Track Application Form for Temporary Permission to Practice and have it signed and stamped by their further or higher education institution; then
• Email a scanned copy of this signed and stamped form to eyqualifications@equality.gov.ie where it will be assessed and, if approved, a Letter of Temporary Permission to Practice will be issued to the student.
A student who has a Letter of Temporary Permission to Practice may be employed to work with children in an ELC setting until at latest 01 September 2024
A student may also apply at the same time for a general – not time-limited – Letter of Qualification Recognition to Practice.
Application Form: