Minimum Qualifications for Crèche Staff in Ireland

Hiring the wrong person for a room isn’t just a staffing problem. It can be a compliance problem too. Here’s what the regulations require for each role in an Irish crèche, and how to check a candidate’s qualification before they start.

The minimum: Level 5 for everyone working with children

Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working directly with children must hold at least a Level 5 major award in Early Childhood Care and Education on the National Framework of Qualifications, or a qualification the Minister has deemed equivalent. The requirement came into full effect on 31 December 2016.

“Major award” matters. A few Level 5 modules or a minor award doesn’t meet the requirement. The candidate needs the full award.

Level 6 for ECCE room leaders

If your service runs the ECCE preschool programme, the room leader delivering it needs at least a Level 6 qualification in early childhood care and education. Many crèches also look for Level 6 or above for room leaders in baby and toddler rooms, even where it isn’t required.

Managers and deputy managers

Most crèches look for a Level 7 or Level 8 degree for manager and deputy manager roles, along with experience leading a room. Higher qualifications can also affect the funding your service receives under some programmes, so it’s worth checking the current requirements for any scheme you take part in.

Which qualifications count?

The Department of Children publishes an early years recognised qualifications list showing which awards meet the regulatory requirement. If a candidate’s qualification isn’t on the list, or was gained outside Ireland, they need a recognition letter from the Department before they start working with children. Starting work without recognition is a breach of the 2016 Regulations, and the responsibility sits with the service.

Ask every candidate with a qualification from outside Ireland for their recognition letter, and keep a copy on file.

Students currently enrolled on a recognised Level 6, 7 or 8 course can, on a temporary basis, apply to the Department for a letter of temporary permission to practice.

Garda vetting and references

The 2016 Regulations also require Garda vetting and references before a new staff member starts. Build these into your hiring timeline, as vetting can take a few weeks. Candidates who have lived abroad may also need police clearance from those countries.

Pay rates

Employment Regulation Orders set minimum hourly pay rates for early years educators, room leaders and managers, and higher qualifications usually mean higher pay. See our salary guide for current rates.

Your hiring checklist

• Full Level 5 major award or higher, or a recognised equivalent
• Level 6 or higher for an ECCE room leader
• Recognition letter for any qualification not on the recognised list or gained abroad
• Garda vetting and references completed before the start date
• Children First training (most crèches ask for it)
• Copies of all certificates kept on the staff file

Find qualified staff faster

On Crèche Staff, every approved candidate holds an early childhood qualification at Level 5 to Level 8, or a recognised equivalent, and their qualification is checked against their photo ID. You can filter by qualification level, so you only see candidates who meet the level your room needs. As the employer, you still confirm recognition, right to work and Garda vetting before they start, as with any hire.

Browse approved candidates and post your vacancy in minutes, or read more about how to hire childcare staff with Crèche Staff.

Hiring in Dublin or Cork? See our local guides for Dublin and Cork.