Demand for childcare training has reached an all time high since the introduction of the Government’s new free pre-school scheme. The Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme requires that staff in childcare services have accredited childcare training in order to participate in the scheme. “This has been a welcome step in the professionalisation of childcare,” said Mary Giblin, coordinator of the Galway City and County Childcare Committee.
A total of 35 accredited childcare courses are now available at FETAC centres in Galway city and county, catering for more than 500 students. The majority of these courses take place at VEC training centres while some are operated by private training providers. FÁS also provides accredited childcare training.
Students of childcare now have more options than ever when choosing courses. The cost of courses varies and students should shop around at different centres to ensure they get the best value. Visit www.galwaychildcare.com/training_cal asp for contact details of FETAC centres providing childcare training in Galway.
Fiona McLoughlin, adult education officer at City of Galway VEC, advises students to check in advance that any training centre is FETAC registered. See www.fetac.ie/qa/ProviderQAList htm for a list of registered training centres.
To meet the requirements of the ECCE scheme, pre-school leaders must have a major award at FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 (or equivalent ) by 2012. Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, adult education officer at County Galway VEC, recommends that students always check the core module requirements before commencing any course. These are listed on the FETAC website.
To view information on the FETAC Level 5 certificate in childcare visit www.fetac.ie/modules/DCHSC html
Information on the FETAC Level 6 advanced certificate in supervision in childcare can be viewed at www.fetac.ie/modules/DCXXX html
For further information about the requirements of the ECCE free pre-school scheme contact Galway City and County Childcare Committee at (091 ) 752039 or email [email protected]
