Other Funding

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF LEARNER FUND APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 IS Friday the 29th September 2023 at 5pm.

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 sector. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth 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, DCEDIY plan to pay a Bursary (of approx. €750) to 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. This qualification must be on the DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications listThe Learner Fund Bursary is open for 2023 . See details below:

The Learner Fund Graduate Bursary 2023 is now open for applications commencing Monday 14^th August 2023.

 The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) will re-open the Learner Fund Bursary to Early Learning and Care practitioners who are new graduates of a recognised Early Childhood Education and Care degree programme.  The Fingal County Childcare Committee (CCC) will process and appraise Learner Fund Graduate Bursary applications submitted from the Fingal Area. Please find attached both application form & criteria/rules/timelines in relation to the Learner Fund Graduate Bursary.

• The bursary is available to experienced practitioners only.
• Applicants must have been working in a Tusla registered Early Learning & Care Service to beginning their course.
• Staff working in standalone School Age Childcare services are not eligible to apply.
• The qualification for which the bursary paid must be on the DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications list, indicated as meeting the qualification requirements for lead educator graduate premium. Check this link:  gov.ie – Early Years Recognised Qualifications (www.gov.ie)

The deadline for submission (closing date) is 5pm Friday 29^th September 2023. Please read the attached rules/criteria carefully prior to completing your application. Submit your fully completed application form along with your graduation certificate (or full transcripts in lieu of same) plus photographic ID to:

Email address linda@fingalcountychildcare.ie  Mobile number: 087 7882688

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF LEARNER FUND APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 IS Friday the 29th September 2023 at 5pm.

Learner Fund Childminder Bursary 2023 is open for applications commencing Monday 14^th August 2023

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) will open the Learner Fund Bursary for Childminders who are registered with Tusla and hold a Level 5 or Level 6 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs) will process and appraise Learner Fund Childminder Bursary applications. The Fingal County Childcare Committee (CCC) will process and appraise Learner Fund Childminder Bursary applications submitted from the Fingal Area. Please find attached both application form & criteria/rules/timelines in relation to the Learner Fund Childminder Bursary.

• A service reference number is required. If a Childminder does not have a service reference number, they will need to on-board through the Hive system (https://earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/). This process may take time, so applicants are advised to complete as soon as possible.
• A graduating certificate must be provided, if not available, a full and confirmed statement of results should suffice. The statement of results must indicate that the qualification is awarded.
• The qualification for which the bursary paid must be on the DCEDIY Early Years Recognised Qualifications list:  https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/22405-early-years-recognised-qualifications/

The deadline for submission (closing date) is 5pm Friday 29^th September 2023. Please read the rules/criteria carefully prior to completing your application. Submit your fully completed application form along with your graduation certificate (or full statement of results in lieu of) plus photographic ID to:

Linda Sammon at:  Email address linda@fingalcountychildcare.ie  Mobile number: 087 7882688