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.
“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.
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...
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
Early Childhood Ireland statement regarding publication of the report by the Inter-Departmental Working Group: "Future Investment in Childcare in Ireland"
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.
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
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
“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.