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Higher Diploma; Early Childhood Studies, Care and Education Level 8
September 5, 2026 - May 28, 2027
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
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Please note, this is a payment portal only
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Only make payment if you have been offered a space by SETU following the required application process
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Payment of €2100pp is due to secure your space, before this programme commences in September 2026
Important Payment Information:
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Failure to make payment in full will result in funding being cancelled and the full amount of €3500 being owed to SETU directly.
Who is eligible to apply for this training programme?
This funding is available to Private sector or commercial semi-state enterprises only.
By completing this application you are confirming funds are from a private commercial entity.
Unfortunately the following organisations are not eligible:
- Public sector organisations, ie schools
- Charity or Not-for-Profit Organisations, and
- Companies based outside the Republic of Ireland
DCEDIY Approved List and QAB Approval Status
As regards the professional status of the various Early Years qualifications please see the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth website.
Please note that this course:
* is on the DCEDIY approved qualifications list and is approved by DCEDIY for the following:
– Meets regulatory requirements.
– Eligible for Room Leader – standard capitation.
– Eligible for Room Leader – higher capitation.
* the course is designed for:
– Applicants with an existing level 7 major award in Early Childhood Studies, or equivalent, and with at least two years of relevant work experience who wish to progress to progress to level 8;
– Applicants with an existing major award at level 8 degree in a cognate area who wish to convert to a career in early childhood care and education. Cognate degrees are defined as level 8 degrees in which Psychology, Sociology or Early Years Education was a major component.
* This course is not suitable for:
– people with no existing childcare qualifications – or cognate qualifications as above.
– this is because the Government’s “Qualifications Advisory Board for the Early Learning and Care (ELC) Sector” has decided that going forward – for new entrants to childcare ( for example people taking-up a childcare qualification straight after secondary school ) – that it will recognise only full degree programmes, find out more here.
If you have any questions please email Jackie at skillnet@waterfordchammber.ie