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“Who Would Bother Getting a Degree When You Would Be on the Exact Same Pay and Conditions . . .?†Professionalism and the Problem With Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care: An Irish Perspective

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  • Ayooluwa Oke
  • Judith E. Butler
  • Cian O’Neill

Abstract

Although the literature is replete with research that indicates the importance of qualified and highly skilled practitioners in the provision of quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), challenges to the retention of highly skilled graduates and the establishment of a professional ECEC workforce persist. This study investigates the barriers that hinder practitioners from obtaining higher level ECEC qualifications. It presents findings from the perspectives of practitioners ( n = 18) participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme using semi-structured interviews. This article is part of a doctoral study with practitioners and parents on quality in ECEC and the impact of technology on quality practice. Importantly, this article presents findings from the practitioner interviews as they relate to the barriers faced by practitioners in obtaining higher level qualifications. Findings indicate that practitioners value the role of qualifications in the provision of quality practice. Despite this, findings suggest that the likelihood of obtaining an ECEC degree is largely dependent on the practitioner’s financial situation. For example, in the absence of appropriate pay scales and occupational profiles, practitioners are forced to avail of social welfare services.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayooluwa Oke & Judith E. Butler & Cian O’Neill, 2021. "“Who Would Bother Getting a Degree When You Would Be on the Exact Same Pay and Conditions . . .?†Professionalism and the Problem With Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care: An Irish," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(3), pages 21582440211, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:11:y:2021:i:3:p:21582440211031883
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440211031883
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Merrill, Becca & Cohen-Vogel, Lora & Little, Michael & Sadler, James & Lee, Kenya, 2020. "“Quality” assurance features in state-funded early childhood education: A policy brief," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    2. Matthew Manning & Susanne Garvis & Christopher Fleming & Gabriel T.W. Wong, 2017. "The relationship between teacher qualification and the quality of the early childhood education and care environment," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 13(1), pages 1-82.
    3. Gambaro, Ludovica & Stewart, Kitty & Waldfogel, Jane, 2015. "A question of quality: do children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive lower quality early childhood education and care?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 60010, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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