Training or qualifications required for working in child care

The following list outlines the official recommendations that have been made in relation to the necessary qualification requirements for those working in a child care service:

• The Child Care Regulations 2006 (Pre-school Services, No.2) require that a minimum of 50% of staff in a service have a qualification appropriate to the care and development of children.

• The Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (Free Pre-school Year) states that from June 2012 the Play Leader in each room of a service must have a minimum qualification of a FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Childcare.

• Employers generally look for a minimum of FETAC Level 5 or equivalent, relevant to the specific job role and responsibilities.

The benefits of qualifications

Undertaking training and obtaining qualifications benefits not just you, but everyone around you:

Qualified practitioners/workers are able to further their knowledge and skills, which in turn provides them with better employment and promotion opportunities in the workforce.

Services  staffed with qualified practitioners can be confident in their ability to deliver quality and are therefore in a better position to engage in Siolta.

This allows children to avail of improved care and learning experiences within these services.

Parents have greater confidence in leaving their children with people who have successfully undertaken training.