On your behalf …May 2013

Over the past month Early Childhood Ireland has been actively representing members on issues relevant to the Early Childhood Care and Education sector:

• Having accepted the Minister for Childrens nomination, Irene Gunning, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, was appointed to the  Speech & Language Therapists Registration Board of CORU, the overarching body for regulating health and social care professionals. She attended 2 meetings in March.

• Early Childhood Ireland presented three seminars at the OMEP conference in Cork last weekend.

• Early Childhood Ireland has called for a reversal of decision to exclude outdoor clothing from current round of capital grants

• A submission has been made to the DCYA regarding the UCD Diploma in Nursery Management for ECCE higher capitation

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Commercial Rates Survey

If commercial rates are an issue for your service we invite you to complete our  survey.

Commercial rates on early childhood care and education services continue to cause very serious concern and stress for Early Childhood Ireland members

We have consistently and strenuously advocated on this issue for the sector.To advocate effectively at this time of change, we must have the most comprehensive and up to date information available. We need your support. Please complete the anonymous survey below.  

Complete survey here

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Early Childhood Ireland Cautious About Pilot Afterschool Scheme

Early Childhood Ireland, the representative group for over 3,300 preschool, daycare and afterschool centres nationwide, is cautious about the pilot afterschool scheme announced by Ministers Burton and Fitzgerald and will monitor it closely

Read full press release

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‘We don’t need a Scandinavian model in childcare, what we need is a uniquely Irish model that meets the needs of children’

So said the Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald at Early Childhood Ireland’s “Green Shoots” childcare seminar this weekend, to an audience of 150 childcare professionals, students and policy makers from around the country.

Read full press release

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Debate must shift from one of cost, to how the childcare bill should be paid

Statement from Early Childhood Ireland, the representative group for 3,330 childcare professionals who support over 100,000 children and their families through preschool, afterschool and full daycare (crèche) provision nationwide.

Irene Gunning CEO of Early Childhood Ireland represents our members, in the audience of this Primetime childcare debate.

Read full press release

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Survey shows difficulties getting therapy for children with autism and other disabilities

Many creches and pre-schools are struggling to provide early childhood care and education to children with special needs, according to a national survey to be published shortly.

The findings are contained in a survey of almost 400 creches which support more than 15,000 children. It was commissioned by Early Childhood Ireland, the main representative group for pre-school services.

Read full article

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Norah Gibbons Appointed as Chairwoman of New Child and Family Agency

Early Childhood Ireland welcomes Norah Gibbons’ appointment as chairwoman of new Child and Family Agency

Read full press release

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500 subsidised childcare places come online

A total of 6,000 places will be available when the scheme is implemented in full.

Up to 500 subsidised childcare places are to be made available to people who are classed as long-term unemployed as well as former recipients of the One Parent Family Payment

 Read full article

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Childcare sector wants extension of free pre-school scheme

The organisation representing professionals working in the childcare sector is calling on the government to extend its free pre-school scheme.

Early Childhood Ireland is making the call at its annual meeting in Ballsbridge, Dublin today.

Read full article

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ERP Battery Recycling Campaign

The ERP Battery Recycling Campaign is drawing to a close on 31st May 2013, our  members in the ERP districts (just nine counties) have recycled over 2 tons of  batteries, that is over100,000 less batteries going to land fill! Limerick has now nudged  ahead on the County Leader Board, closely followed by Cavan. Participating services are being asked to call in their collections to ERP by the end of May.

Read full article