Choose a childcare training course with care
ARE you planning to enroll for an accredited childcare course this Autumn? If so, make sure the course is accredited by FETAC, offers the opportunity to earn a major award and that you are getting value for money. Depending on circumstances, students of all ages may be eligible to participate in a free Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course or they may be able to avail of special rates from their local VEC or FÃÂS. Some private colleges also offer value for money and flexible schedules. It is worth investigating all options to get the course that suits you.[private] Fiona O'Loughlin, Adult Education Officer, City of Galway Vocational Education Committee offers the following advice: 'Anyone wishing to pursue a career in childcare should ensure that the training they undertake is accredited by FETAC. A major award will prepare learners for employment, participation in society and community and access to higher levels of education and training. A relevant major award at Level 5 is the usual entry point to either employment in a childcare service or to progression to higher education.' Fiona goes on to say that 'all childcare programmes offered by VECs leading to a major award are FETAC quality assured and students can be satisfied that their course of study will meet all the requirements of the awarding body.' Galway City & County Childcare Committee facilitates a range of childcare training and recently launched its Autumn 2012 training calendar on www. galwaychildcare.com. One of the key features of the in-service training calendar this Autumn is the briefing on the new Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, recently launched by Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald. All childcare providers are advised to attend a briefing session for an update on the impact that the new guidance and potential new childcare legislation may have on the provision of childcare. Childminders are invited to enroll for an exciting new eight-week Irish course being organized by Galway Childcare Committee in conjunction with Forbairt NaÃÂonraàTeo. This course will support childminders in introducing basic Irish into their day-to-day activities with the children. For more information about this and other courses available to childcare providers this Autumn, log on to www.galwaychildcare.com. The key goal of Galway City & County Childcare Committee is to coordinate the implementation of National Childcare Policy at local level on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Please contact 091 752039 or mail@galwaychildcare.com if you have any queries related to childcare in Galway.[/private]