Early Childhood Ireland publishes its sixth national Barometer which underlines overwhelming public support for the early years sector.
The research for Early Childhood Ireland’s 2023 Barometer was conducted in February 2023, using RED C’s online omnibus survey.
Every child should be guaranteed access to high quality and inclusive Early Years and School Age Care in their community.
The education of children under 5 is as important as the education of children over 5.
Similar to primary education in Ireland, Early Years education should be available free to all children.
All parents should be financially supported to stay at home with their child for the first 12 months of the child’s life.
Parents should only pay toward the care of their children in line with their overall income.
Under EU guidelines, Early Years staff who work directly with children must be as qualified as other professionals such as nurses and teachers. When this occurs, the terms and conditions of their employment contract should reflect this.
I believe all employers should be legally obliged to top-up wages when the parents of new babies are on maternity or paternity leave.
