Learner Fund Extension for ECCE
December 10, 2015
Reaction from Early Childhood Ireland to the €1.5 million Learner Fund extension, part of the expanded ECCE (free preschool) scheme, as announced in budget 2016.
Press Release: Post Budget Survey Results Summary
November 30, 2015
“There are significant problems with the implementation of the expanded ECCE (free preschool) scheme, as announced in the recent budget, and parents must not assume that their local preferred preschool can accommodate their child for 2 years.
ECCE and Children with Disability
November 19, 2015
Reaction from Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland to the IDG report entitled: ‘Supporting Access to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme for Children with a Disability’
Initial Response to Budget 2016
October 13, 2015
Today, the government is taking a first step to what must be a planned and substantial increase in state investment, recognising the value of quality childcare to children’s development...
We have much to learn from the Reggio approach
September 28, 2015
Teresa Heeney contrasts Reggio Emilia’s rich investment in early childhood care & education with the Irish approach and warns that “the current wrangling about spending an additional €5 on child benefit or on parental leave misses the point”
Response to the Extension of the Learner Fund
September 28, 2015
€500k extension of Learner Fund, while welcome, is not enough in terms of scope or amount & we don't want ‘goodie bag’ approach to childcare pre election, but real investment from next budget.
Tusla Must be Held to Account
September 5, 2015
Early Childhood Ireland says Tusla must be held to account for too few inspectors, too few inspections & too little progress in delivering robust, consistent, regular inspection process
Statement Regarding Childcare Report
July 22, 2015
Early Childhood Ireland statement regarding publication of the report by the Inter-Departmental Working Group: "Future Investment in Childcare in Ireland"
3,370 childcare workers have to sign on dole over summer costing €7.2m to the exchequer
July 16, 2015
Early Childhood Ireland reminds TDs and Senators of the unacceptable situation that 3,370 childcare workers have to sign on dole over summer costing €7.2m to the exchequer
Launch of Footsteps for the Future
July 15, 2015
Launch of the Footsteps for the Future report outlining the investment needed in the sector over the next 5 years in order to achieve the key policy objective of ensuring quality throughout the sector.
