Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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600. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a shorter add-on course to obtain a major award in child care rather than starting the course from the beginning for persons who have already achieved a component certificate in level six child care so their employer can be awarded the higher capitation rate for the ECCE programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42866/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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My Department provides a qualifications assessment process for the Early Years sector, however my Department is not an awarding body nor an education provider.

If a person is unsure about the level of their award, or holds a component certificate for a further education award, they can contact Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) - who are the arbiter of award standards in Ireland for assistance in determining the status of their qualification.

My Department's role is to provide adjudication as to whether or not a qualification meets the minimum regulatory standard for the Early Years sector, or whether a qualification is suitable for a room leader at either standard or higher capitation level within the ECCE programme. My Department's remit only extends to what is required for its programmes, and what is required to meet the regulatory minimum for the Early Years sector.

Many third level education providers (Institutes of Technology, Universities, and some private education providers) have degree level programmes in Early Childhood Care and Education available, and all approved programmes are on a published list which is available for view on my Department's website.

I understand that some third level providers will accept further education awards for access to degree programmes, but it is recommended that individuals check with specific third level education providers as to their terms of access.

My Department is not in a position to recommend one third level programme over another.