Transforming the Early Learning and Care System and the Importance of Respect and Consultation in that process.

Last week you may have noticed that Early Childhood Ireland highlighted our concerns around the way in which the Government spoke about our sector on a recent Primetime programme. 

Our overriding concern was the language used and the overall lack of respect for our valuable work, and for the early learning and care professionals who work in our sector. While this language was used in context of providing childcare for front line workers, it was not helpful.

It was disappointing to hear what  the Taoiseach said about childcare supports for front line workers as he described how the Government will ‘be asking them, getting them essentially’ in reference to ‘childcare workers’ as ‘we’re paying their salaries at the moment’.

We have clearly pointed out that staff in our sector are not ‘childcare workers’. They are professionals, many with degrees, as high as Masters. When any CPD is provided to our sector, it is very often over-subscribed, such is the appetite and dedication for learning and improvement.

In relation to re-opening schools, the Taoiseach referenced that nothing would proceed (quite rightly) without consulting with teachers & their unions. We have highlighted that the early years and school-age sector has not been consulted by government about any proposed front line support scheme or about a return to work. 

When we consulted our members recently, our members highlighted that they had key concerns  about any proposed initiative of providing childcare for front line workers, including : provision of PPE for childcare workers & advice on using same; access to Covid19 testing; insurance cover; deep cleaning of childcare facilities; and that of those who were available to provide front line childcare, the majority (75%) preferred a centre based rather than a home-based option.

For the first time, our dedicated professionals are receiving their wages from the public purse, in line with others in the rest of the education sector. Early Childhood Ireland is already urging the government to leave this in place after this dreadful public health crisis is over.

We envisage the current Wage Subsidy Scheme of financial support, together with the existing ECCE scheme (Free Preschool Years), becoming the new starting point in establishing a sustainable system of state funding of ECEC in Ireland. This can transform the Irish ECEC system into a properly nationally funded system for children and families as part of the new social contract, delivered by the existing bedrock of professional service providers. This new higher level of state funding would deliver better sustainability and security for operators, professional wages for staff and affordability for parents. Ultimately it will result in enhanced quality of early years experiences and outcomes for our youngest children.

If this departure is to be meaningful though, it will need to be accompanied by the same level of respect that others whose salaries are paid by the state, receive. This can be achieved by meaningful consultation & start with the appropriate language about staff.

The people who care for and educate the babies and children in Early Childhood Ireland member crèches, pre-schools and after-schools deserve to be valued. In recognition of the important role they play in our society.