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2025/2026 Semester 2 HDip in Early Childhood Studies, Care and Education SETU
January 5, 2026 - May 29, 2026
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
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Please note, this is a payment portal only
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Payment of €875 is now due for Semester 2 of Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Studies, Care and Education at SETU (January – May 2026)
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Only make payment if you are currently enrolled on this programme
Important Payment Information:
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The total cost of this programme is €3500 and Waterford Chamber Skillnet are part funding this programme by 50% (€875 per semester)
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Payment for semester 2 is now due by the end of January 2026.
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Failure to make payment by the due date will result in funding being cancelled and the full amount being owed to SETU directly (€3500 for the full course or €1750 per semester)
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