Childcare action plan called for
Children and families in Cork deserve the very best early years care and education.
That’s according to Early Childhood Ireland which has called on the Government to make 2023 the year when every young child is guaranteed a place in a high-quality early years or school age care setting, whether centre-based or in a childminder’s home.
The organisation said that 2022 has been a landmark year for early years care and education in Ireland, with €1 billion in funding announced in the 2023 budget, and the roll out of the new core funding model.
However, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said additional funding and specific actions are needed from Government to build on this progress.
She said: “Quality care and education does not happen overnight, and even with the funding committed, our members need to see an action plan which outlines year-on-year spending priorities.
“We are renewing our call for the Government to publish a comprehensive 5 year spending plan, which includes specific actions that address the issues children and families in Cork are currently facing,” added Ms Heeney.
Early Childhood Ireland is calling for:
· The implementation of the next phase of core funding to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, geography or family income, has access to the high-quality care and education they need.
· The extension of Government supports to include childminding, and recognition of the vital contribution of childminders.
· A new Employment Regulation Order to improve terms and conditions for the 30,000 strong workforce.
Joanie Barron, project co-ordinator of Wallaroo Playschool in St Luke's in Cork city said: “For me, finding staff and maintaining staff is a big issue. Due to the nature of our work, we usually don't offer full-time positions.”
Ms Barron continued: “We are finding it hard to get people to respond to ads, and when they do, they say there is not enough money or hours offered.
“The current wages are not meeting people's expectations. The work can be demanding, yet very rewarding. It is vital work too - children are so important, as they are the future. Core funding needs to be increased and higher salaries are also needed to ensure we retain highly-qualified staff.”
Miriam Collins, Manager of Blackwater Childcare in Fermoy, said: “The recent investment is really welcome from my perspective. After 17 years of working in the early years sector, it is great to receive the funding and support our staff, families and children deserve.
“Hopefully, the future will see further progress that will further improve services and strengthen the sector,” Ms Collins added.
Early Childhood Ireland said it with works in partnership with 406 members in Cork.