Checklist of Principles for Re-Opening of Early Years Settings

Yesterday Early Childhood Ireland released our set of principles that need to be met to allow early years care and education settings open in a sustainable and child centred manner. Each principle represents a different area that must be considered in the process of re-opening. Measures on re-opening will be assessed on the twin criteria of child-centredness and sustainability. Areas that the principles address range from guaranteeing that there will be no regression in terms of quality, to ensuring that funding levels are not reduced for providers. The principals were developed in conjunction with our members and mindful of the fact that a “one size fits all” approach will not work for the sector. Our full set of principles can be seen here. 

There has been a great deal of coverage in the media of our principals and how they will inform the re-opening process. Some of the coverage can be seen here and here. Our Director of Policy, Frances Byrne will be appearing on regional and national media in the coming days to further outline our principles and to speak about the re-opening funding package announced today. We will be engaging with our reference group of members to ensure that the newly announced funding plans meets their needs and also satisfies our principals.