New Pobal Childcare Fund (open until October 2016)

Childcare Regulations

• 2016 will see an expansion of the ECCE programme which will be made available to a wider age-range of preschoolers. This will result in additional demand for ECCE places, and many early years services will be planning to expand as a result.
• All ECCE rooms will require a room leader with a qualification at Level 6 on the NFQ from September 2016.

About Pobal funding?

• The Department of Children and Youth Affairs recently announced a 4th round of the Learner Fund. This fund is now open for applications and will remain open until 28 October 2016.  The aim of the Learner Fund is to support staff to upskill and achieve a QQI Major Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education Award.
• Up to 80% funding is available on the Level 6 major award.

How much do I receive with the Learner Fund?

• Applications must be submitted by the employer on behalf of the eligible staff member.
• For the Major Award, if you are approved  you will pay a contribution of Eur240, to CMIT before you commence the course, the remainder is subsidised.
• CMIT will invoice the County Childcare Committee for the remainder of fees due.

How CMIT can help ?

• CMIT is approved to provide subsidised training as part of the Learner Fund.
• CMIT offers the approved Level 6 Award which is suitable for both Childcare staff and Room Leaders (a Leaving cert or Level 5 award is required to commence the Level 6 award).
• CMIT is the offering learners the opportunity to complete the Level 6 Childcare Major Award through tutor-supported eLearning.
• Click here for full details of the CMIT  QQI Advanced Certificate in Childcare which is offered as part of this funding programme.