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Policy, Advocacy and Research

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National Early Year’s Strategy (NEYS)

Early Childhood Ireland makes this submission in light of our work at practice, policy and academic levels and is informed directly by:   Regional Consultation sessions with members on the themes and strands (Safe and Protected; Healthy and Active; Learning; Economically Secure; Move Confidentially into Adulthood) outlined by DCYA – listening to our members face [...]

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Supporting Children with Additional Needs Survey 2013

Introduction In 2010, the introduction of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme saw the provision of a free year of care and education for all children between 3 years 2 months and 4 years 7 months, regardless of family income or ability to pay. It was a great achievement for families and the [...]

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Community Childcare Subvention Survey

Introduction The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) Scheme is a scheme for community based childcare services to provide quality childcare at reduced rates to disadvantaged parents. Budgetary changes to the scheme that came into effect from September 2012 have impacted in a loss of revenue and further challenges for some community services. Early Childhood Ireland conducted [...]

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Early Childhood Ireland Salary Survey 2012

Introduction Early Childhood Ireland conducted a survey in September 2012 to provide members with information on the current levels of pay and salaries in the early childcare and education sector in Ireland.  During the year, many members contact us seeking information on salary and wages in the sector. We know from experience and from research [...]

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Survey on ‘Proposal to extend the ECCE scheme to 2 years’

Early Childhood Ireland has been advocating for a second free pre-school year for all children.  We know that in many cases parents want to keep their child in pre-school for a second year but cannot afford to do so.  Parents know young children thrive in an environment where the numbers are smaller, where learning is [...]

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Children’s Rights

Early Childhood Ireland believes in children’s rights.  We have always worked from a rights based approach and it influences how we see, understand and work with children.  Our work is underpinned by the United National Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). We see the child as full of potential, competent and capable in [...]

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Results of the Sick Pay Survey

Introduction Early Childhood Ireland conducted a survey in July 2012, to ascertain the level and cost of absenteeism on the early childcare and education sector in Ireland, and the impact that the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton’s proposal to transfer responsibility for paying sick pay from her Department to employers would have on the [...]

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HSE Inspection Survey Summary

Introduction The HSE is responsible for inspecting pre-schools, play groups, nursery’s, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children aged 0-6 years, under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 2006 (www.hse.ie). The HSE Pre-School Inspectors assess the compliance of a service in regard to these Child Care Regulations during an inspection visit, which is followed [...]

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Early Childhood Ireland Members Survey

  Early Childhood Ireland commissioned an independent survey by iReach Market Research in June 2011, to provide a snapshot of the current issues for the Early Childcare and Education Sector in Ireland, and to establish a baseline for the newly formed organisation. Early Childhood Ireland had at that time over 3,200 members including playgroups, parent [...]

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Pre-Budget Submissions

Our Vision Our pre-budget proposals are in line with our vision for a society where every child gets a loving, secure and stimulating start in life and for a sector where children are able to have positive and empowering experiences in preschool, impacting on their later learning and well-being.   2012 Pre-Budget Submission Early Childhood [...]

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National Early Years Access Initiative (NEYAI)

This initiative, which was launched in 2011 and runs until 2014 is the result of collaboration between The Atlantic Philanthropies, the Mount Street Club Trustees, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA), the Early Years Education Policy Unit (DES) and Pobal. The focus of the NEYAI initiative is on improving access to quality early [...]

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