community employment childcare scheme

Pursue a career in childcare with training and qualifications

The Community Employment Childcare Training and Development Programme is designed to help people who are long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged people to get back to work by offering part-time and temporary placements in jobs, based in Portlaoise and the wider Laois area.

The aim of this programme is to provide CE participants interested in pursuing a career in childcare with training and qualifications in the childcare sector, quality experience, and a clear career path.

If you are currently out of work and have an interest in pursuing a career in childcare, the Community Employment Childcare Training and Development Programme can provide the necessary training and qualifications to help you embark on the right path.

You will be supported in acquiring the skills to deliver professional childcare services through a range of training and educational courses. Importantly, you will be exposed to the real-world scenarios that comprise a busy childcare facility, with supervised placement in a creche enabling you to gain firsthand knowledge of the demands involved in delivering early years care.

Participants can take up other part-time work during their placement. After the placement, participants are encouraged to seek permanent part-time and full-time jobs elsewhere based on the experience and new skills they have gained while in a Community Employment scheme.

This is a three-year programme of formal learning and work experience leading to a NFQ Level 5 qualification in early childhood care and education. Places on the CE Childcare Training and Development Programme are co-ordinated by a dedicated CE-sponsored childcare scheme in Laois partnership Company.

For more information, contact the Community Employment Supervisor, Emer O’Loughlin, by emailing [email protected].

The CE Childcare Training and Development Programme has three phases over a three-year programme.

  • On Phase 1 you will spend time under supervision participating in training, which will allow you to have access to a childcare environment and be part of a busy crèche.
  • At Phase 2 you will have achieved at least 2 components of the FETAC Level 5 Major Award and have an Individual Learner Plan (ILP) in place. You will proceed to achieving the full FETAC Level 5 Award and be called a Childcare Practitioner.
  • At entry to Phase 3 you will have a Major Award at FETAC Level 5 and be a qualified Childcare Practitioner.

Benefits of working with Laois Partnership

Dedicated Specialist

A specialist will work with you to identify a programme, course & resource to benefit you and guide you through it.

Innovative Approaches

Through initiatives like SICAP & LEADER, LPC employ locally-led strategies to address persistent levels of deprivation.

Comprehensive Services

From childcare and youth programmes to mental health and addiction support, we  have services tailored to your needs.