Written answers

Thursday, 29 September 2022

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Childcare Qualifications

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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211. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if Ukrainian childcare qualifications are recognised in Ireland for those seeking to work in the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47706/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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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 deemed to be equivalent.

For school-age childcare, there is no qualification requirement.

My Department has published a list of qualifications that meet both regulatory and contractual requirements for working in early learning and care services. The list can be found at this link:

www.gov.ie/en/service/000073-recognition-of-an-early-years-qualification/

While there are currently no Ukrainian qualifications on this list of DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications, it is open to any individual to apply for recognition of their qualifications and experience. An individual can submit an application to my Department for recognition of their qualifications if they believe their qualifications and experience are equivalent to the minimum requirements The application form and details of what information must be submitted can be found on my Department’s website. This assessment is carried out on a case-by-case basis. 

My Department is making reasonable accommodations in order to support the recognition of Ukrainian early years educators who have been granted Temporary Protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. If a Ukrainian early years educator wishes to apply for recognition of their qualifications, they can email EYQualifications@equality.gov.ie.

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