Nurturing Skills is the Government's Workforce development plan for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) up to 2028.

It contains sections on Career Development, Recognised Qualifications, Learning Hub and Useful resources. The Section on Career Development gives information regarding funding towards Early Learning and Care qualifications including the Nurturing Skills Learner fund (where a portion of fees are paid by DCDE to educational institutes) and Learner fund Bursary Graduate and Childminding Bursaries.

https://www.nurturingskills.ie/

If you are considering up-skilling or returning to education MCCC would recommend that you have a look at Meath Adult Guidance Service (MAEGS). They can assist you with Career Information, Advice and Guidance. MAEGS is part of Co. Meath VEC Adult Education Services and they promote the importance of Career Planning at every stage of a person's life. Check out https://louthmeath.etb.ie for further advice in particular the Meath Adult Education Guidance Service at this link https://louthmeath.etb.ie/adult-education/adult-guidance-service/meath-adult-guidance-service/.

Certain courses at certain levels can avail of Government support under the Nurturing Skills learner fund and eligibility criteria can be found here: https://www.nurturingskills.ie/career-development/

ECCE Qualifications

Minimum Childcare Qualifications - Increased Qualification Requirements - International evidence tells us that raising the qualification levels of staff working with children is key to improving the quality of services. Under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2016. New qualification requirements have been announced:

• Minimum qualification for all pre-school leaders delivering the ECCE programme is now LEVEL 6.
• Minimum qualification of Level 5 on the National Framework for Qualifications for all staff working with children in early years services. These qualification requirements will be phased in. These new qualification requirements announced in 2014 will apply to all new services from that date, and to all existing services by September 2015.

As set out in the terms and conditions of the ECCE scheme, Pre-school leaders must hold a major award in childcare or a related field at QQI Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at a minimum and higher qualifications would contribute towards the quality of the service provision. Pre-school services may apply for a higher capitation if the pre-school leader holds a relevant degree in an early childcare related field and has experience. The assistant in this situation would be required to have a Full award at level 5.

Part time Degree programmes

Several part time degrees have sprung up in recent years please follow this link to view what is on offer: www.qualifax.ie They are available in many formats such as full time, part time, online and blended learning. This website will allow you to search for courses nationally, regionally, and locally at each level.

Aim-DEI Training

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Programme
Funded under AIM Access and Inclusion Model

What is the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Programme?

The programme centres around the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education. The course is facilitated by Meath CCC.

It explores a wide variety of challenges facing early childhood services today, that can inhibit or prevent services operating in a fully inclusive manner. Challenges such as prejudice, real representation of all children in an early childhood service and strategies to promote inclusive practice are all explored.

What does the course cover?

The course will explore the key issues surrounding Diversity and Equality and promote good practice in terms of supporting Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in an early childhood setting. It will support educators in developing an inclusion policy for their setting.

Meath CCC team members are delivering Diversity, Equality and Inclusion training on an ongoing basis throughout the county.

How will completion of this course enhance children's learning and development experiences?

Completion of this course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to encourage opportunities for all children to thrive in early education through the promotion of positive identities and abilities, the celebration of diversity and difference in an inclusive, participative culture and environment.

What resources will support training participants?

During the DEI training programme, a book audit is carried out to encourage early educators to explore the messages portrayed in the books provided to children within early childhood services. Some key children's books, which explore topics such as being different, gender, family structure and varying abilities of children, used as part of this element of the programme are available through the Meath CCC loan library for participants who've completed the DEI programme.

Packs containing the books used in the Diversity Equality and Inclusion Programme are available for participants who have completed this course. These can be borrowed and taken out to promote Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the early childhood setting.

How do you borrow these books?

Simply ring or call into our office to borrow these books and our staff will inform you of our lending policy. Our Office is located at Meath County Childcare Committee, Commons Road, Navan, Co. Meath or by ringing reception on 046-9073010.

Child Protection Training

To book place, contact Meath County Childcare Committee Tel: 046-9073010 or email reception@mccc.ie