The temporary arrangements for students to work in settings during summer 2024.

The arrangements involve an accelerated process for assessment of equivalence with the level 5 minimum qualification requirement for students currently enrolled on a recognised level 6, 7 or 8 course. The Registered Provider will be responsible for all vetting, induction training, supervision and other governance requirements for staff, as set out in the Regulations, for students who are employed as a result of these temporary arrangements.

Students who are approved through the accelerated assessment process will receive a “Letter of Temporary Permission to Practice” from DCEDIY. As a Registered Provider, you may employ astudent who has such a letter to work directly with children attending an ELC service until at latest 1st of September 2024.

The student’s Letter of Temporary Permission to Practice will be recognized by Tusla as meeting the requirements of Section 9(4) of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. The Registered Provider should keep a copy of the student’s Letter on file as evidence of temporary recognition.

These are temporary arrangements specifically to help alleviate some of the current staffing pressures, and are not intended to address longer-term staffing issues.

Please note that this is not a student placement, and the students will be employees of the service.

To be approved through the accelerated process for assessment of equivalence with the level 5 qualification requirement to work with children in ELC, a student:

  • Must be currently enrolled on a course that is on the list of DCEDIY Early Years
    Recognised Qualifications at level 6, 7 or 8.
  • Must have successfully completed at least the first year of the course.
  • Must have successfully completed a practice placement in-person in an ELC service.