Qualifications

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.
E-Bulletin April Edition
There will be three options for individuals to apply for qualification recognition:
1. Those who have completed their early learning and care qualification that
does not appear on the Department’s list of recognised qualification.
2. Those currently studying a course on the Department’s list of recognised
qualifications.
3. 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.
Please note, due to GDPR, the Department can only discuss applications with the individual applicant and not a third party.
This electronic form will be available: here.
For any queries, please email EYQualifications@equality.gov.ie

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Current Student Application Process Early Years 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, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has deemed to be equivalent.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has published a list of qualifications that meet both regulatory and funding requirements for working in early learning and care services. The list can be found at this link:

DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications

To be approved to practise in the sector, an individual’s studies must be of a standard at least at level 5 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications NFQ (or equivalent) and must include the following content:

• Child development for children aged 0-6.
• Early childhood education – theory and practice.
• Child health and welfare for children aged 0-6.
• Evidence that the qualification contains a supervised practicum/practice placement working in an early learning and care setting.

Current Student requirements:

Current Students must hold a letter of Eligibility to Practice from the Minister of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in order to practice in the sector, regardless of whether their chosen course is on the list of recognised qualifications. 

A current student, must at time of application, be undertaking a course that is on the DCEDIY list of recognised qualifications. The list can be found at: DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications

In order to obtain a letter of Eligibility to Practice, a current student must apply to the Minister of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for that letter.

Please note that as a current student, the highest level Eligibility that can be awarded is at minimum regulatory requirement level.

 Application Process current student requirements:

The current student must apply to DCEDIY for letter of Eligibility to practice.  The application must include the following:

• A fully completed signed application form (a typed name will not suffice).  The application form can be accessed at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/000073-recognition-of-an-early-years-qualification/
• A letter from the Educational Institution which specifically states that the applicant is continuing their studies
• Full academic transcripts for each year of course completed so far
• Evidence of work practice/experience with children aged 0-6 as part of applicants studies which includes dates and location of that work

A current student, must at time of application, be undertaking a course that is on the DCEDIY list of recognised qualifications. The list can be found at: DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications

In order to obtain a letter of Eligibility to Practice, a current student must apply to the Minister of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for that letter.

Please note that as a current student, the highest level Eligibility that can be awarded is at minimum regulatory requirement level.