Early Learning Initiative

31/08/2026

We are excited to welcome families back as our groups resume on the 7th of September. 😀👶

We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new families to our groups.

We can't wait to begin another term together where children can play, explore, sing listen to stories, develop new skills, build confidence and have fun while parents and caregivers have the opportunity to connect, share and build friendships and spend quality time with their little ones.🎤😃

We look forward to seeing you soon!

29/08/2026

Do you have a child aged 1-3 years?

Do you live in Dublin 1,2,3,4 or 8?

Would you like to support your child's Early Learning & Development?

⭐Why not join our free Play Programme. We will provide you and your child with regular one on one play sessions, educational books and toys & opportunities to attend programme Play Events⭐

Interested?

Call, WhatsApp or Email Jennifer on 0864666432 / [email protected]

27/08/2026

🌱🔬 What a wonderful Summer of STEM Play & Learn! 🧪🌈

We had such a fantastic time with our families this summer! Together, families explored exciting STEM activities, discovered fascinating facts about nature, enjoyed sensory games, developed early literacy skills, and had lots of fun learning and playing together. 📚🌿🧩

Our programme also helped children build confidence and get ready for the transition back to school — all through Play, Exploration and Hands-on learning. 💚

A huge thank you to our fantastic Home Visitors for their enthusiasm, creativity and dedication in making every visit so engaging and special for our families. 👏💫

And a very special thank you to Research Ireland for supporting STEM Play & Learn and helping make these wonderful learning experiences possible. 🙏

Here is to a Summer full of Curiosity, Discovery, Connection and Fun! 🚀🌍✨

21/08/2026

Yesterday, some of our team from the ELI Doodle Den Programme were invited to share testimonials alongside other community groups, about Mud Island's positive impact on our children, families and local communities. 🌱🌿

Congratulations to Mud Island for being nominated to represent Dublin City Council in the Pride of Place 2026 competition. Best of luck! 😀

19/08/2026

Is your child starting school this September? 📚

The ‘My Little Library Book Bag’ initiative is a collaboration between libraries, Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as part of the First 5 Strategy.

As part of the initiative, a ‘My Little Library Book Bag’ is available free for every child starting school in 2026 to help them to prepare for this big step. Children and their parents or guardians can collect the bags at any library throughout the country.

To find out more and to find your nearest library, click on the link below:
📙https://www.librariesireland.ie/my-little-library

Through the First 5 Little Library initiative, libraries provide book bags to support children’s early language and literacy development.

17/08/2026

In the lead up to the launch of the 2025-2026 Annual Report later this year, over the next few months, we will be sharing some snapshots of the programmes and their impact on child educational outcomes and wellbeing. Follow the link to our research page to see more:https://www.ncirl.ie/Portals/0/ELI/ELI%20Annual%20Reports/ELI%20End%20of%20Year%20Report%202024-25%20Final.pdf

Today, we are highlighting our Doodle Den literacy programme. Addressing literacy needs in children early is an important component of many of ELI's programmes, from home visiting to programmes in school. Doodle Den is an evidence based after-school programme designed to promote literacy and offers an intensive, multi media and highly interactive opportunity for 5 and 6 year old children.

Take a look at how ELI's Doodle Den programme has increased literacy skills for children across several different areas during our 2025-2026 academic year!

📚

05/08/2026

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week | 1–7 August 2026 💛

This year's World Breastfeeding Week theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," reminds us that every family deserves the right support to give their baby the best possible start. The campaign highlights the importance of strengthening the Warm Chain of Support, from healthcare professionals to communities and families.

At Community Families, we know that every family's journey is unique.
Our Home Visitors have the privilege of walking alongside parents during those early days, offering reassurance, practical support, and a listening ear whenever it's needed.
Sometimes, it's answering a question that has been worrying a new parent. Sometimes, it's celebrating a small milestone, building confidence, or simply being there to remind someone that they are doing their best. These moments of connection can make all the difference.

This World Breastfeeding Week, we celebrate every family and everyone who helps create a circle of care around them. By supporting parents with kindness, compassion, and understanding, we can help give every baby the healthiest possible start in life.

💛 Because no family should have to navigate the early days alone.

04/08/2026

What a fantastic summer! A huge thank you to all the wonderful families who joined us at our Community Families Groups Summer Events. ☀️😎

It was so special to see everyone having fun, making new friends, and creating happy memories together. A special thank you to Dublin City Childcare Committee for hosting informative sessions at our events and sharing valuable advice and support with parents and carers. 🫶

Thank you to our volunteers from BlackRock for coming along to support our groups. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along and helped make our summer events such a success. We can't wait to see you all back at our groups soon! 😀

31/07/2026

As we finish looking back on what our Restorative Practice course participants and community practitioners have reflected on this past year, today we are reflecting on what community practitioners & course participants think Restorative Practice feels like. 🫶😀

Take a look at the photo & comment below on what Restorative Practice feels like in your practice? 💬

29/07/2026

As we continue to look back on what our Restorative Practice course participants and community practitioners have reflected on this past year, today we are reflecting on what community practitioners & course participants think Restorative Practice sounds like.📣

Take a look at the photo & comment below on what Restorative Practice sounds like in your practice? 🗣👂