Changes to the Awards System

Common Awards System (CAS)

A new national awards system is soon to be introduced for all further education and training. This new system will also provide awards at levels 1 – 6 on the NFQ and it will be known as the Common Awards System (CAS).

The new system is intended to replace FETAC old awards over time and they are currently in the process of migrating all the awards from the present system to the Common Awards System.

Early Childhood Ireland intend to remain at the forefront of these changes and the training we deliver will be developed in accordance with this new awarding system.

 

Timeline of Changes

Before Dec 2012:

Learners who submit the current 8 modules (for FETAC major level 5) and 5 modules (for FETAC major level 6) prior to this date, will gain a full award from FETAC (must be assessed by the November 2012 period).

Dec 2012 – Dec 2014:

Learners can submit current modules as exemptions towards the new award along with the new migrated components (interim mix-and-match of module credits)

NOTE: Level 6  – during this mix and match period, a learner:

  • Who has completed  modules under the old system –  will now have to complete additional components (modules) to complete a new Level 6 award (which requires 8 components)
  • Must complete all mandatory components
  • Will have to apply for exemptions for the modules they have already completed under the old system
  • Will then receive the new major award

 

Jan 2015: 

From this point on, ONLY the new common award components may be used to achieve a major award.

Please view the full list of accredited childcare training courses that Early Childhood Ireland currently offers.

 

The Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland

In July 2011 the Minister for Education and Skills published the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training ) Bill which provides for the amalgamation of bodies dealing with qualifications and quality assurance in education and training.

The Bill provides for the amalgamation of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), HETAC and FETAC.

The new body will be call the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI).