Initiative to Measure and Assess Quality
April 6, 2017
The Minister has announced the start of the process which for the first time, will measure the quality of, and identify best practice in early years provision.
Minister Zappone commits to carrying out independent review of cost of quality childcare
April 1, 2017
Speaking at Early Childhood Ireland’s annual conference in UCD, Minister Zappone said the independent review will feed into future policy development and review of subsidy levels. She said it will be an important contributor to establishing a firm evidence base for investment by the State in both affordability and quality.
Research shows depth of staffing crisis
March 31, 2017
Problems recruiting and retaining well qualified staff to work in pre-schools and crèches is putting their survival at risk according to research published today by Early Childhood Ireland.
New report showing Ireland at bottom of league for paid maternity leave highlights need for major reform
March 28, 2017
A complete absence of “decently paid” maternity leave for Irish woman compared to other European countries is leaving many mothers with no choice but to return to work sooner than they would wish, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) has said today.
€4 million childcare funding welcome, but proper planning remains a priority
March 20, 2017
Plans announced today to provide €4 million in capital funding to improve and expand childcare services is a welcome development. However, proper planning is urgently needed to avoid a potential shortage of childcare in some areas and a possible oversupply in others, Early Childhood Ireland has said.
€3 million for school age childcare a positive step but proper planning and regulation must be a priority
March 7, 2017
Plans announced today to provide €3 million to support services aimed at school going children is a positive development, but proper planning to ensure that these services are sustainable and regulation of the sector must be a priority according to Early Childhood Ireland.
Increased uptake of free pre-school year welcome but major obstacles remain ahead of further roll out
March 6, 2017
A new report issued today shows that the number of children availing of the free pre-school year continues to grow and that uptake is due to double this year. Early Childhood Ireland has welcomed this development but has expressed concerns about the significant challenges that remain if the major expansion of the scheme is to be effective.
Press Release: 60,000 children nationwide wear their pyjamas into creche and pre-school today for Early Childhood Ireland’s National Pyjama Day
March 6, 2017
60,000 children from 1,300 creches and preschools around the country are wearing their favourite pyjamas today (Friday 3rd March 2017) for National Pyjama Day, which is an annual fundraiser organised by Early Childhood Ireland that is now in its 14th year, having raised over €2.5 million for children’s charities in Ireland.
Press Release: Early Childhood Ireland launches National Pyjama Day 2017
January 24, 2017
Early Childhood Ireland launches National Pyjama Day 2017 taking place in creches and preschools nationwide on Friday 3rd March.
