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.
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...
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"
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.
One in 10 Services Predicting Closure
July 8, 2015
With one in 10 services predicting closure and 92% of early childhood educators calling for the free preschool capitation fee to be raised from €62.50 per week to €75 or over, sustainability is major red flag issue in the early childhood education sector, according to Early Childhood Ireland survey
Increased ECCE capitation and supports for children with additional needs are key priority areas
April 20, 2015
Minister for Children tells Early Childhood Ireland conference
Urging Minister to Restore €2 cut in ECCE scheme contracts
April 17, 2015
Early Childhood Ireland CEO urges Minister for Children to restore the €2 cut in ECCE scheme contracts and warns that inspection process in danger of drowning sector
Statement regarding reports about extension in parental leave to one year
April 7, 2015
“Childcare is a big election issue and we expect to see such kite flying about extending parental leave to engage the electorate, as well as proposals about after school care and a second pre school year. But we need a whole plan that addresses the current weaknesses in capitation levels, the salaries and conditions of the workforce and affordability and choice for parents.
