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.
Need to Stall Further Expansion of the ECCE Scheme
April 1, 2015
Early Childhood Ireland calls on DCYA to stall expansion of new operators delivering the ECCE scheme until a clear plan has been developed which takes account of current level of oversupply.
Thank you to the 65,000 children wearing their PJs
March 6, 2015
Early Childhood Ireland uses platform of National Pyjama Day to highlight serious lack of Government investment to support children with additional needs at preschool
Band Aid Approach to Afterschool Won’t Work
March 4, 2015
Statement from Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland in response to leaked Government approach to after school and shifting the service into school buildings
Statement on Minister James Reilly’s response on Primetime
February 13, 2015
Early Childhood Ireland statement re Minister Reilly's Primetime response to issues of sustainability, lack of investment, pay & conditions & support for children with additional needs.
Response to media reports of new ‘affordability of childcare’ scheme
January 13, 2015
Irish families are paying more than any of their European counterparts on early childhood education services and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Comment on Inspections
September 16, 2014
Teresa Heeney was on Newstalk talking about the announcement by the Minister for Education, that creches and other preschool providers will be subject to school type inspections.
