On your behalf …. (November 2012)

Briefing on the Children’s Referendum for the Early Childhood Sector

Irene Gunning was one of the key speakers at an information briefing for organisations working in the early childhood sector on the upcoming Children’s Referendum, hosted by the Children’s Rights Alliance.

Early Childhood Ireland will be posting information on the Children’s Right’s Referendum on our website specifically aimed at early years educator’s so keep an eye on our web under Children’s Right’s

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Schedule of Fees Template

Early Childhood Ireland, in consultation with the National Consumer Agency (NCA), has developed a ‘Schedule of Fees’ template to assist members in displaying their fees prominently and professionally, for parents/service users.

Please note that Fees Schedule is restricted for member-only access. If you are an Early Childhood Ireland Member and are unsure of how to login please follow the steps on the instruction page

Please download your copy of the “Fees Schedule”.

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Reminder to register for ‘Go Recycle’ Campaign!

If your service is in the catchment area* of ERP, make sure you register to recycle your old batteries with ERP, and be in with a chance to win a Recycling Party for your service. Click below to register now!

https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/erp/

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Diversity of Patronage

Early Childhood Ireland has been requested by the Department of Education and Skills to assist them in assessing the views of parents/guardians on patronage of Irish national schools.

The vast majority (96%) of primary schools in Ireland are owned and under the patronage of religious dominations and approximately 90% of these schools are owned and under the patronage of the Catholic Church.

The department would particularly like to hear the views of parents/guardians whose pre-school children are attending our member services this year.

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Response to Joan Burton’s remarks about expansion of ECCE scheme

Early Childhood Ireland welcomes Minister Joan Burton’s remarks about an expansion of the free preschool scheme to two years, but reminds the Minister that her sick pay proposal is 100% wrong for the childcare sector.

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Early Childhood Ireland Response to the (Rates) Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 The Childcare Perspective

There are currently, 4,600 notified childcare services in the country, employing over 25,000 staff. Early Childhood Ireland represents 73% of all services and our members work with 101, 565 families every day. 

These services pay rates which at present are levied unequally and unfairly and pose a serious threat to the sustainability of a sector that will inject €425million into the economy in 2012.  There are 88 rating authorities and each one differs in the criteria used in dealing with ECCE services.