Minimum Qualifications to Work as an Early Years Professional
In accordance with The Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working with children must hold a minimum of a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 qualification major award in early years education. Services participating in the ECCE scheme are required to have each ECCE room leader qualified at a minimum of an NFQ level 6 relevant qualification, or NFQ level 7 to avail of higher capitation.
DCEDIY Recognised Early Years Qualifications
A list of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) Recognised Early Years Qualifications that meet the minimum requirements has been published.
This list also sets out the qualifications that will be recognised for the purposes of the DCEDIY Childcare Programmes, in particular, that of the qualification requirement for the room leader in the ECCE programme and for a service to receive the ECCE Higher Capitation rate.
Qualification not on list?
New online application process for Qualification Recognition
The Department is introducing a new online application process for those seeking to have their qualification recognised as meeting regulatory or contractual requirements to work with children in the sector.
Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or a qualification that the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality has deemed to be equivalent.
From the 14 April 2025, an online application will replace the current application
process. This online application process will ensure applicants can upload their
application documents with user-friendly, efficient, and accessible digital forms. This system will reduce the waiting times for those waiting for a letter of qualification recognition to work in early learning and care services.
There will be three options for individuals to apply for qualification recognition:
- Those who have completed their early learning and care qualification that does not appear on the Department’s list of recognised qualification.
- Those currently studying a course on the Department’s list of recognised qualifications.
- Those who have an unfinished qualification on the Department’s list of recognised qualifications.
Once the Department has received an application, applicants will be contacted within five to seven working days and a unique reference number will be issued. This reference number should be used by the applicant when making any queries regarding their qualification.
For any queries, please email EYQualifications@equality.gov.ie
