Following the introduction of the new ECCE scheme there has been a much greater focus placed on the importance of the achievement of accredited early childhood care and education awards within the childcare sector in Ireland.
While Kilkenny County Childcare Committee do not directly provide accredited training to the sector we work in collaboration with local agencies such as the Kilkenny VEC, to ensure the availability of accessible accredited training at different levels of the National Framework of Qualifications.
Kilkenny County Childcare Committee’s Resource Centre provides students with a childcare specific library offering access to relevant and up to date literature on all aspects of Early Childhood Care and Education.
Given the diversity of training and professional development opportunities within the ECCE sector in Ireland it can often be difficult for practitioners and students to identify suitable progression routes.
To help support childcare practitioners and students in relation to this, KKCCC have produced a Training Paths in Early Childhood Care & Education brochure. This summarises the progression routes within Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) Training & provides an outline of the core knowledge areas within ECCE. Drawing on the National Framework of Qualifications, The Model Framework for Education, Training & Professional Development in the Early Childhood Care & Education Sector and background discussion documents published in support of the national consultation process towards a Workforce Development Plan, it provides students with an overview of the various stages of professional development in ECCE and offers a guide to potential career opportunites within the sector.
To obtain a free copy of this brochure contact Julieann on 056-7752865 Ext 4 or by email at juliekkccc@gmail.com. Alternatively you can download this document below.
For further information on accredited training contact Bernadette O Rourke, Educational Guidance Counsellor on 056-7764448
Workforce Development Plan
Following the introduction of the ECCE scheme there has been a much greater focus placed on the importance of the achievement of accredited early childhood care and education awards within the childcare sector. It is also recognised that the historical complexity of educational attainment of the workforce in ECCE services in Ireland may present challenges in this regard. To facilitate practitioners, who are not currently fully qualified, to achieve this status, it is proposed to put in place a Workforce Development Plan which will address issues such as access and effective participation in education and training programmes.The generation of a Workforce Development Plan for the ECCE sector is a key element of the Government’s commitment to the sector and will provide an important support to the implementation of the newly announced free preschool place for children in the year prior to commencing primary school.
The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs are currently collating and analysing feedback received during the national consultation process carried out last year and the Workforce Development Plan will be developed based on the outcomes of this process.
Kilkenny County Childcare Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to this consultation at local level.
