National Pyjama Day 2026

New research has been published on Irish Traveller children’s experiences of feeling a sense of belonging in Early Childhood Education settings.

This research, involving 23 Traveller children across four preschools, shines a light on their experiences of belonging in Early Childhood Education. To explore the findings and recommended actions in full, read the report below.
New Research on Belonging for Traveller Children Read now
We talk to Dr. Colette Murray from Technological University Dublin, who advised on Early Childhood Ireland’s 2025 From Rhetoric to Reality research. The study explored how inclusive Irish Early Childhood Education settings are for Traveller children, focusing on their own experiences in preschool. Dr. Murray highlights why this work matters and how both systems and individual settings must support a real sense of belonging for every child. New Podcast: From Rhetoric to Reality Listen here In February’s Making the News, we highlight National Pyjama Day 2026, including strong regional coverage celebrating children taking part across the country.

Making the News: National Pyjama Day 2026 Read here
This week we share information on:

• Learning Hub – Food Safety Courses

• Seachtain na Gaeilge – useful words and phrases

• Core Funding 2024/2025 Financial Return

and more.
EYES Update 10 March 2026 Read more
Understanding Identity Validation

This week we are discussing the importance of accurate identity validation and what you must do to meet National Vetting Bureau standards to stay compliant.

Garda Vetting Update Read more
Early Childhood Ireland Submission to the Convention on Education

As part of the Convention on Education, Early Childhood Ireland has made a submission to the preparatory ‘Conversation on Education’.
Policy in Action
Read more
Impact of minimum wage increase on providers in England

An overview of the impact on minimum wage increases on Early Years providers in England.
Policy in Focus
Read more
National Pyjama Day 2024 Press Release Making the News: National Pyjama Day 2026

Member Services

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children 

The Early Years Employers Service (EYES) is a service dedicated to focusing on our member’s needs. Members get easy access to expert advice and guidance on all areas of operating

The Learning Hub is Early Childhood Ireland’s eLearning platform, which aims to empower and support our members and their educators to not only help meet regulatory requirements but also to build professional knowledge and skills among their staff.

View a range of employment opportunities in the early childhood care and education sector.

Become A Member

Join Early Childhood Ireland today and become part of the leading organisation in the sector working to ensure quality experiences for children in Early Years and School Age Care settings.

As an organisation, we are fully committed to supporting you to provide quality experiences for children. Our strategies are based on professional experience and on national and international research, policy and best practice. We combine the extensive knowledge and experiences of our membership with wider professional and academic pedagogical expertise. Your insight informs the services and support we offer and the public policy and investment changes that are necessary. 

As a member, you will also benefit from our extensive range of services and supports.

Member Services

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children 

The Early Years Employers Service (EYES) is a service dedicated to focusing on our member’s needs. Members get easy access to expert advice and guidance on all areas of operating

Early Childhood Ireland strives to inform, facilitate, inspire and empower our members to provide consistently high-quality early learning and care and school age childcare services for children and their families

View a range of employment opportunities in the early childhood care and education sector.

Become A Member

Join Early Childhood Ireland today and become part of the leading organisation in the sector working to ensure quality experiences for children in early learning and care and school age childcare settings.

As an organisation, we are fully committed to supporting you to provide quality experiences for children. Our strategies are based on professional experience and on national and international research, policy and best practice. We combine the extensive knowledge and experiences of our membership with wider professional and academic pedagogical expertise. Your insight informs the services and support we offer and the public policy and investment changes that are necessary. 

As a member, you will also benefit from our extensive range of services and supports.

Learning

SharingKnowledgeWeb2021-Stock

Early Childhood Ireland exchanges and shares knowledge actions and projects that link to our strategic plan that strives for every child.

Publications.jpg

Early Childhood Ireland produces a suite of publications in the areas of research and pedagogy unique to Ireland.

LearningPartnerships2021

Early Childhood Ireland works to develop partnerships at home and abroad through a range of initiatives and projects. 

Learning

sharing-knowledge.jpg

Early Childhood Ireland exchanges and shares knowledge actions and projects that link to our strategic plan that strives for every child.

Publications.jpg

Early Childhood Ireland produces a suite of publications in the areas of research and pedagogy unique to Ireland.

partnerships.jpg

Early Childhood Ireland works to develop partnerships at home and abroad through a range of initiatives and projects. 

eLearning.jpg

Early Childhood Ireland uses a variety of tools to share and deliver current thinking to the Early Learning and Care and School Aged Childcare sector. 

About Us

Early Childhood Ireland is the leading membership organisation in the Early Years and School Age Care sector, focused on our compelling vision of putting the child at the centre of our work. Early Childhood Ireland has a strong track record which spans over five decades and we are currently delivering on our Strategic Plan 2021 to 2026.

We currently have over 3,800 members, who support over 120,000 children and their families through preschool, afterschool, and full day-care provision nationwide. Our work includes quality enhancement, communications and publications, advocacy, training, support and information for a sector that employs over 25,000 people

About Us

Early Childhood Ireland is the largest organisation in the early years sector. We represent 3,800 childcare members, who support over 100,000 children and their families through preschool, afterschool, and full day-care provision nationwide. Our work includes quality enhancement, publications, advocacy, training, business support & information for a sector that employs 25,000 people today.

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Latest news

Press Note: First-of-its kind research with young Irish Traveller children in Early Years settings

Press Note: First-of-its kind research with young Irish Traveller children in Early Years settings

First-of-its kind research with young Irish Traveller children in Early Years settings Tuesday, March 10: New research published today by…
Policy in Action:  Early Childhood Ireland Submission to the Convention on Education

Policy in Action: Early Childhood Ireland Submission to the Convention on Education

Our submission to the National Conversation on Education was made in February and covers several areas of concern for Early…
Garda Vetting Update: Understanding Identity Validation

Garda Vetting Update: Understanding Identity Validation

What is Identity Validation? Identity validation is a critical step to ensure compliance and the safeguarding of children. This process…

Latest news

Press Note: First-of-its kind research with young Irish Traveller children in Early Years settings

Press Note: First-of-its kind research with young Irish Traveller children in Early Years settings

First-of-its kind research with young Irish Traveller children in Early Years settings Tuesday, March 10: New research published today by…
Policy in Action:  Early Childhood Ireland Submission to the Convention on Education

Policy in Action: Early Childhood Ireland Submission to the Convention on Education

Our submission to the National Conversation on Education was made in February and covers several areas of concern for Early…
Garda Vetting Update: Understanding Identity Validation

Garda Vetting Update: Understanding Identity Validation

What is Identity Validation? Identity validation is a critical step to ensure compliance and the safeguarding of children. This process…