There are a number of childcare and education options for pre-school children such as private childcare, nurseries, crèches, pre-schools, playgroups, naíonraí, montessoris and early start programmes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Children may be ready to attend pre-school from the age of three and effective early childhood education provides a safe nurturing environment. It lays the foundation for their educational, emotional and social development. Unstructured play is an important component which develops their physical health and teaches many important life skills such as sharing, taking turns and resilience.

Working with pre-school children is challenging as they are very active and have a short attention span. You need to be energetic, patient, caring and calm under pressure. Excellent listening and communication skills are essential to build a trusting relationship with the children. You will also give feedback on the child’s progress or any sensitive issues such as behavioural difficulties to their parents/guardians. If you are creative and practical, skills in areas such as art, music and sport are very useful. To see if you would be suited to a career in this sector try to get experience looking after children or helping out in summer camps and sports clubs.

There is great variety in the role as each child is unique and no two days are the same. Interacting with children from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, watching them grow and develop is very rewarding, knowing that you played an important role in preparing them for school.

Research has shown that early childhood education is critical to the long term development of the child and there is an increasing demand for qualified staff in the public and private sector. All pre-school childcare providers are subject to regular inspection. Entry routes include a one year QQI/FETAC Level 5 course in Early Childhood Education which is available full or part-time from colleges throughout the country. Alternatively a three year Level 7 or a four year Level 8 undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education will qualify you for supervisory/management positions. A qualification is this area provides a solid foundation for careers not only in pre-school education but also in health and social care settings with young children. Career options include setting up your own business, managing a childcare facility, in education, as a child and family support worker, working with children who have special educational needs or are disadvantaged, as a childcare inspector or policymaker, or if you have Hons Irish, training to be a primary school teacher.

Further information is available here.