The latest EU Social Justice Index ranks Ireland lowest in the EU for investment in pre-primary education and underlines the need for substantially increased investment in early years education.
Last year, Minister Zappone managed to secure significant funding for the early years sector, but it is essential that this level of investment is sustained for the foreseeable future.
Childcare operators from Tallaght and Sligo will today brief members of the Oireachtas about their direct experiences of delivering More Affordable Childcare for the first time.
Early Childhood Ireland welcomes the more affordable childcare information campaign just launched, with information packs arriving to childcare providers by post today.
The delay in paying out maternity leave benefit is placing additional stress on parents at a time when families are already dealing with the challenges of a new baby, Early Childhood Ireland has said today.
New research showing over half of Irish mothers engage in work-related activities during maternity leave highlights need to improve culture and practice on leave arrangements for new parents.
The current plans for the Affordable Childcare Scheme will increase expectations of parents while putting pressure on the sector which cannot deliver due to the inability to attract staff.