How do I become an Early Year’s Educator in Ireland?
According to the Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all employees working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent as deemed by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Therefore, to become an early year’s educator in Ireland you need to at least possess a QQI Level 5 Early Learning Care course.
Chevron College offer flexible, online Childcare courses that can enable you to become an Early Year’s Educator in Ireland. This includes our Level 5 and Level 6 Early Learning and Care certification, additionally you can undertake the BA Level 7 and Level 8 degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. You can pay for these courses in full upfront, or if flexible instalment plans are available.
Work Experience
There is also a work experience element that must be successfully completed for all courses. With reference to the Level 5, you must spend 150 hours in two early learning and care settings, divided as follows: You must spend at least 50 hours working with children aged 0 to 2.8 years. You must spend at least 50 hours working with children aged 2.8 to 6 years. You can spend the remaining 50 hours working with youngsters of both ages. Click here to read more about the Level 5 Early Learning Care Course.
To progress in childcare e.g. become a Lead Educator/Room Leader you must obtain a level 6 Early Years qualification. This course offered by Chevron College is also online with some face-to-face days. Payment can also be made in full or over 8 or 12 months. You will also have up to 16 months to complete this course. The work experience element for the Level 6 qualification is the same as the above Level 5 requirements (150 hours and hours divided over the settings). Click here to read more about the Level 6 Early Learning Care Course.
A degree in childcare can result in career progression and higher pay. If you have successfully obtained a level 6 qualification, the Early Learning and Education degree can be completed over 2 years for Level 7 (Ord) and 3 years for Level 8 (Hons). If you have no previous qualifications, you can start at stage 1 and complete the degree over 4 years. This degree is also completed online, meaning you can study at a time that suits you.