We wish to notify you that, as a temporary measure to support services to maintain staffing capacity over the summer months, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) is on a temporary basis, implementing a Student Fast Track Qualification Recognition (accelerated) process for the assessment of equivalence with the Level 5 minimum qualification requirement. The Student Fast Track process applies specifically to students currently enrolled on a recognised Level 6, 7 or 8 early years programme. The application process will open on May 6th until September 1st, 2026.