Skillnet Ireland Business Networks collaborate with Munster Technological University to upskill future childcare ‘leaders’

Duhallow Skillnet, South Kerry Skillnet and Munster Technological University (MTU) have started an exciting pilot micro-credential programme which aims to deliver new ‘leaders’ for the childcare sector.  

The Leadership and Management in ECEC (Early Childhood Education and Care) programme officially got underway on Saturday, September 30th and will run until December. The course is aimed at ‘room leaders’ or aspiring room leaders in childcare settings.  

The need for a programme of this type was identified by members of the North Cork Childcare Network and the Kerry Early Years Care & Education Owners and Managers Forum. The programme development group successfully applied for funding under the Skillnet Ireland Co-Creation Fund. The Fund aims to enable cutting-edge collaborations between businesses, industry bodies and the further and higher education ecosystem in order to support the growth, competitiveness, and innovation of Irish companies.  

The 10 credit QQI Level 7 programme is being delivered by MTU through a blended approach which consists of three face-to-face Saturday workshops at the university’s Tralee campus and online tutorials for one hour a week.  

The course content is centred on equipping learners with the skills to manage staff in ECEC settings and further their skillset to be part of middle management teams in childcare.  

Participants will complete modules such as Leadership and Learning, Contemporary HR Policies, Mentoring and Coaching and Finance, Administration and Governance for the Sector. 

Aisling Sharkey, Head of the Department of Social Sciences at MTU said the university is “delighted to be working alongside Duhallow and South Kerry Skillnets and industry partners to develop a programme for which there is an identifiable need and we have already seen a large volume of enquiries and interest in the programme.”

Duhallow and South Kerry Skillnets are multi-sector business networks that support companies of all sizes in the Southwest region. The networks enhance regional development by providing the talent base with subsidised upskilling solutions that are specifically designed to support the growth of local businesses. 

Further information about the Leadership and Management in ECEC programme is available online.