Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Guidelines
Training Programme for Early Childhood Educators
Programme Aim:
The aim of the training programme is to support educators to engage with the Diversity,
Equality and Inclusion Guidelines. The training aims to foster awareness about Diversity,
Equality and Inclusion and to encourage and support those working in the sector to actively
advocate for inclusion for all children and their families within the ECCE setting. It will
explore the key issues surrounding Diversity, Equality and Inclusion and promote good
practice in terms of supporting Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in an early childhood
education and care setting.
Why should I do this training?








Under the CHILD CARE ACT 1991 (EARLY YEARS SERVICES) REGULATIONS 2016 - A registered
provider of a pre-school service shall ensure that the written policies, procedures and
statements specified in Schedule 5 are in place for the service. This includes having an
Inclusion Policy – this training will assist you to develop your inclusion policy.
This training is about inclusion for all children and the approach gives you goals to work
through for children and adults in your service.
This training will allow you the opportunity to explore your own attitudes and values which
can impact on how you address diversity, equality and inclusion in your service.
This training links to the roll out of Aistear and Síolta in your service and will help you to
expand and make connections with what you are doing already in Aistear (2009) and Síolta
(2006) to support equitable and inclusive practice.
This training will give you the tools you need to equality proof your service, strategies for
addressing challenges and ideas for supporting the meaningful participation of all children in
your service.
If the Inclusion Co-ordinator for your service is completing the LINC programme this training
will be useful for other staff in supporting the work of the Inclusion Co-ordinator in the roll
out of this work in the service.
If services cannot commit to formal training at this time such as the LINC programme this
will support them in their work to ensure they have an inclusive service for all children.
There is no cost for the training.
Questions & Answers
Q.1: Will I receive certification at the end of this training?
A.1: There is no formal accreditation linked to the above training, however all participants will be
presented with a certificate of attendance.
Q.2: What if I am already studying on the LINC Programme, do I need to also partake in this training?
A.2: If you are already studying on the LINC programme, you do not need to undertake this training.
Q.3: Will I be reimbursed or receive any additional capitation for partaking in the above training?
A.3: There is no allocated funding for participants to undertake this training. The training is free of
charge and lunch will be provided on the first day.
Q.4: I have already completed the QQI Diversity and Equality Level 5 and 6 Modules – do I need to
do this training? What is the difference?
A.4: If you have already completed QQI modules in Diversity and Equality at level 5 or level 6, you do
not need to undertake this training. However, the new Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and
Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education were published in 2016 and therefore some of
the content will reflect any recent changes in National policy and strategy. We would advise you to
read the updated guidelines which can be accessed at www.aim.gov.ie
Q.5: Will this training have specific guidance on helping our service ensure inclusion for children with
disabilities?
A.5: This training is designed to support and empower you to explore, understand and develop
inclusive practices for the benefit of all children, and their families, which includes children with
disabilities. The goals used in this approach apply to all children which means children with
disabilities will also benefit from a service using this approach. The training is designed to
complement the work of Síolta and Aistear and will offer practical examples of Inclusion in practice.
In addition, the training will equip you with practical tools to develop your own Inclusion policy for
your service.
Q.6: Do we have to do this training?
A.6: This training is not a requirement for regulation or contract purposes, however in order for your
service to develop a culture of inclusion as espoused in the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter
and Guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Education this training can assist you in this process.
Q.7: Is there funding to cover staff to attend this training if during working hours?
A.7: There is currently no funding to cover staff to attend this training during working hours. The
training is being offered in Clare during working hours and outside of working hours due to short
notice.
Q.8: I have completed the QQI Diversity and Equality level 5/6 Modules and am commencing the
LINC programme – Do I need to do the training?
A.8: If you have already completed QQI modules in Diversity and Equality at level 5 or level 6, and
commencing the LINC Programme, you do not need to undertake this training. However, a holistic
training approach will support you to develop a culture of inclusion in your service. Therefore it is
recommended that another member of staff in your service attend this training. Two or more staff
members undertaking training in Diversity, Equality and Inclusion will enable a more complete
approach in practice.
Q.9: Will the training be run again next year as the notice given was very short and we have already
planned dates for first aid and child protection?
A.9: There are no further dates planned for this training at present in 2017, however we are
currently planning for 2017 rollout.
Q.10: How much notice do I have to give ECCE parents if I am making a change to my calendar to
facilitate attending this training e.g. closing to attend the training and adding a day at the end of the
year?
A.10: You are required to give parents four weeks’ notice if you make changes to your calendar. You
will need to re submit your online calendar on PIP and you will need to notify your CCC for approval.
Q.11: If I am getting someone to cover for me for the 6 hours to attend the training in 2016, do they
just need to have level 5 QQI childcare qualification?
A.11: Yes as you are part of the ECCE scheme you will need to have someone to cover with a level 5
QQI childcare qualification.
Q.12: Who is the best person to attend this training, how many staff can attend per service?
A.12: Two staff per service can attend. The best person to attend this training is a staff member who
is not undertaking the LINC programme. A staff member who has not recently completed a QQI level
5 or Level 6 modules in Equality and Diversity would be the ideal candidate for this training.
Q.13: I am planning to do the LINC programme next year 2017/18, should I do this training now also?
A.14: If you are planning to attend the LINC programme in 2017/2018, you do not need to undertake
this training. However, if you feel you have the time to attend and would benefit in the meantime
from this training – you can attend.
Booking Form
Training Details:
Training Date:
Venue:
Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar
Participant Name:
Name of Service:
Address:
Ph:
Email:
Data Protection Act 1988 & Data Protection Amendment Act 2003
Please note the following information is shared with the National Early Years Children First Coordinator for the purposes of
monitoring uptake of child protection training and quality:
Name of participant, Name of Service, DCYA reference number, role of participant, DLP status.
For further information please contact Theresa Sweeney , National Early Years Children First Coordinator on 085 850 8409.
All information is stored in line with the WCCC Data Protection Policy and the Data Protection Policy under which the
National Early Years Children First Committee operates.
Please complete and return to: Westmeath County Childcare Committee,
Old Mullingar Area Offices,
Mount St., Mullingar.
Ph: 0449335454 email: [email protected]