Renew today for 2026/2027 to continue accessing your benefits and to continue delivering quality for every child across our sector.
In this episode, we are joined by Adele Evans, an experienced and passionate Early Years professional. Adele shares her insights and reflections on embedding a slow relational approach in practice, following her participation in the Time for Nurturing Connections CPD programme.
This Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme explores how being present and attuned with children creates nurturing, secure relationships that support children’s wellbeing, as highlighted in Aistear (2024).
• National Childcare Scheme (NCS) Registration Guidance
• 2026 Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Forum
• Equal Start Bia Blasta Programme 2026/2027
This report highlights the value of a deeply committed Early Years workforce in Ireland, and the urgent need to prioritise them going forward.
This week we are discussing how to track your Garda Vetting applications using and understanding the National Vetting Bureau’s application tracker. With the busy recruitment and re-vetting period approaching, now is the ideal time to review upcoming Garda Vetting requirements within your service.
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 childrenÂ
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.Â
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 childrenÂ
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.Â
As a member, you will also benefit from our extensive range of services and supports.
Learning
Early Childhood Ireland exchanges and shares knowledge actions and projects that link to our strategic plan that strives for every child.
Early Childhood Ireland produces a suite of publications in the areas of research and pedagogy unique to Ireland.
Early Childhood Ireland works to develop partnerships at home and abroad through a range of initiatives and projects.Â
Learning
Early Childhood Ireland exchanges and shares knowledge actions and projects that link to our strategic plan that strives for every child.
Early Childhood Ireland produces a suite of publications in the areas of research and pedagogy unique to Ireland.
Early Childhood Ireland works to develop partnerships at home and abroad through a range of initiatives and projects.Â
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.Â
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.
Shop Categories
Record Keeping and HR Resources
General Safety and Infection Control
Story Books
Music and Toys
Books
Free Resources
Latest news
Insights from 20 years of the Growing Up in Ireland study
The value of Ireland’s Early Years workforce
Quality Support Services Update 8 September 2026
Latest news
Insights from 20 years of the Growing Up in Ireland study
The value of Ireland’s Early Years workforce
