Learner Fund Bursary

The Department of Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA) will re-open the Learner Fund Bursary (announced early 2017) to Early Years practitioners who have completed a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 7, Level 8, or Level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications since the inception of the Learner Fund (2013). This qualification must be on the DCYA Early Years Recognised Qualifications list. The bursary amount will be €750. The local City/County Childcare Committees (CCC) will process/appraise Learner Fund Bursary applications.

 To be considered eligible for the Learner Fund Bursary, an applicant must:

  1. Have graduated with a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 7/8/9 on the National Framework of Qualifications in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 or 2017;
  2. Have a Qualification which is on DCYA Early Years Recognised Qualifications list, evidenced by a graduating certificate;
  3. Have been working in a registered Early Years Service for two years prior to beginning their course;
  4. Be currently working in a registered Early Years Service;
  5. Have submitted a completed application form (along with all relevant documentation) to their local CCC no later than 5 pm on Tuesday 7th November 2017.

In addition:

  1. The applicant cannot have received the Learner Fund bursary previously;
  2. The applicant cannot have received any public funding  in support of their completing the award relating to this application;
  3. A letter of eligibility to practice will also be accepted by DCYA providing the individual has received same on foot of an application made before the end of September 2017;
  4. The qualification for which the bursary is paid must be that which qualifies the person to work in the Early Years sector. (DCYA is aware that an increasing number of qualified practitioners choose to pursue post-graduate education to further advance their practice, but is not in a position to provide funding in respect of this)

Timeframe for applications:

Week beg. 2nd October 2017 Notice of LF bursary application process opening will be published/disseminated by CCCs at local level (highlight window for applications) – CCCs can provide the guide/application form to interested practitioners
16th October 2017 Call for applications open by CCCs
7th November 2017 Deadline for applications – close at 5 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE:

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The DCYA will make the decision on funding and all decisions are final.

Please see below for a copy of the application:

Learner Fund Bursary Application Autumn 2017