Primary School Teachers (DES) Summer Courses

Early Childhood Ireland is offering a Department of Education and Skills (DES) approved Summer Course that focuses on The National Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, Aistear. The programme is suitable for all primary school teachers - those teaching junior and senior infants as well as those who are seeking to be at the forefront of early education and current practice within the primary school setting.

Read more
ERP Scrolling Bar

The joint ERP and Early Childhood Ireland joint battery recycling campaign has hit 3 tonne, equating to 130,040 batteries!
The competition closes on the 31st May so call the ERP Operations team NOW on 0818 332 757 to organise the return of your full battery box, to be in with a chance to win a fun recycling party.

Read more
Public Consultation

At the Early Childhood Ireland Spring Seminar, April 2013, Minister Frances Fitzgerald said that she wanted to introduce a second free preschool year, while ensuring that the necessary building blocks are in place to make it a success. Early Childhood Ireland is pleased to invite members to consultation meetings to discuss what those building blocks are.
Attendance is free but places must be booked.

Read more
Afterschool Childcare

The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton T.D., and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald T.D., have announced that the first pilot phase of the new afterschool childcare scheme will begin on 29 April.

The Scheme is designed to provide subsidised places which will assist low-income families where parents are returning to work.

Read more
Watching DVDs in Preschool

Early Childhood Ireland has prepared informationto give members guidance on the showing of DVDs in their services.
We hope that these questions and answers will assist you in making an informed decision regarding the legal use of DVDs and videos in your services.

Read more

News

Response to DCYA agenda for improving quality

Early Childhood Ireland welcomes Minister Fitzgerald's agenda to improve preschool quality but says that quality costs and the Minister’s agenda must be backed up by investment

More

Article on Quality in Preschools

Early Childhood Ireland response to report in Irish Times Monday 20th May about quality issues found in preschool tuition...

More

Debate on extension of free pre-school year

'Investment in children’s early years should be economic imperative but workforce development is also key'

More

Events

Member Consultation Meetings

Early Childhood Ireland is pleased to invite members to consultation meetings to discuss the necessary building blocks needed to ensure the success of a potential 2nd free preschool year.

More

Online Level 5 and 6 Courses

Online Level 5 and Level 6 components are now fully booked. We will be releasing our September training schedule shortly. In the meantime, view our current events ....

More

Training

Our 2013 training schedule is now available. We will continue to add more courses nationwide over the next week…….

More