The Learner Fund was introduced in 2013, and since then has provided financial assistance to thousands of Early Years practitioners in upskilling to a Level 5/6 in Early Childhood Care and Education. This has assisted in further professionalising the EY sector.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs recognises that there are a number of practitioners who have upskilled to a Level 7/8/9 in Early Childhood Care and Education during the same period and have not received any financial support. Therefore, in recognition of this commitment to further professionalisation, the DCYA plan to pay a Bursary (of approx. €750) to EY practitioners who have completed a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 7, Level 8, or Level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications since the inception of the Learner Fund (2013).
This qualification must be on the DCYA Early Years Recognized Qualifications list.
To be considered eligible for the Learner Fund Bursary, an applicant must:
- Have graduated with a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 7/8/9 on the National Framework of Qualifications in 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016 *. (Qualification must be on DCYA Early Years Recognized Qualifications list);
- Have been working in a registered Early Years Service prior to beginning their course;
- Be currently working in a registered Early Years Service;
- Not have received any state funding to assist in completing their listed course. (skillsnet, CCC funding, etc.);
- Have completed and forwarded the application form (along with all relevant documentation) to their local CCC for consideration by 5 pm on Tuesday 17th January 2017.
PLEASE NOTE THAT LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
*Funding permitting, it is hoped in future years to establish a learner fund for qualifications at levels 7/8/9. In the meantime, the Department intends to make this bursary available next year to staff who graduate at any of these levels in 2017.
Please Click HERE to download the Bursary Learner Fund application form.