Early Childhood Ireland

Early Childhood Ireland Leading children’s advocacy and membership organisation, working with members for quality experiences.

Early Childhood is the leading national children’s advocacy and membership organisation. We work in partnership with Early Years, School Age Care and Childminding settings to ensure that every child is thriving and learning. We advocate for an effective and inclusive system which values, supports and invests in childhood, children and services. Our Vision
Our Vision is that every child is thriving

and learning in quality Early Years and School Age Care in centre-based and Childminding settings. Our Mission
Our Mission is to champion quality for children in Early Years, School Age Care and Childminding settings, through our work with our members and on the system. Our two ambitions are that by 2026:
• Early Childhood Ireland is the leading membership organisation in the sector and our members are leading the way in achieving quality practice in their child-centred settings.
• Early Childhood Ireland is the leading advocate for children in EY, SAC and Childminding in Ireland, has influenced policy and legislative development in this area, towards the quality system we have championed.

🌍We are at EECERA 2026🌍This year’s theme is “The Development of Agency, Participation and Democracy in the Digital Age.”...
26/08/2026

🌍We are at EECERA 2026🌍

This year’s theme is “The Development of Agency, Participation and Democracy in the Digital Age.”

We are excited to present our research and interact with exceptional scholars, policymakers, researchers and practitioners.

26/08/2026

🎯We believe that every child has the right to high-quality, equitable Early Years and School Age Care.

🎯Research shows that high-quality experiences have a long-lasting benefit on children’s cognitive, social and emotional development.

🎯Quality depends on a skilled, qualified and supported workforce.

🔗https://loom.ly/cRIg_GQ

25/08/2026

📝This week’s theme, not a one-person job highlights the important role of EY and SAC professionals and the importance of collaboration.

📝EY and SAC professionals are essential to child safeguarding. They spend significant time with children, allowing them to observe, listen, and build trust, which helps them identify and respond to Child Safeguarding concerns. Their close interactions and knowledge of each child make them a critical component in protecting and promoting children’s wellbeing.

For more information, please visit our Child Safeguarding resources page: https://loom.ly/YjNgo0g

📻With a national staff turnover rate of 24.5%, recruitment and retention are one of the biggest challenges in the Early ...
24/08/2026

📻With a national staff turnover rate of 24.5%, recruitment and retention are one of the biggest challenges in the Early Years and School Age Care system.

Our Director of Policy, Frances Byrne, was on RTE Radio 1 with David McCullagh this morning to discuss how workforce investment is the first step in reducing the number of children on waiting lists.

🔗https://loom.ly/4amuwgE

🎯As many Early Years settings begin to reopen after summer break this week, persistent challenges with capacity and the ...
24/08/2026

🎯As many Early Years settings begin to reopen after summer break this week, persistent challenges with capacity and the recruitment and retention of staff persist.

🎯The Government must prioritise improved pay and conditions for Early Years staff in the upcoming Budget, ensuring those providing care and education to our youngest citizens are treated fairly.

🔗Read our latest press release to learn more about our asks for Budget 2027 - https://loom.ly/HCq4Las

📊According to Pobal, there are up to 46,000 children under the age of three on waiting lists for an Early Years place. W...
24/08/2026

📊According to Pobal, there are up to 46,000 children under the age of three on waiting lists for an Early Years place.

While these figures include families who may have put their children on multiple lists, they still paint a picture of an unsustainable system in which families with small children feel forced to book a place in more than one setting.

🔗https://loom.ly/cRIg_GQ

23/08/2026

📝Policy in Focus: Progress report for the First 5 strategy

In this week's Policy in Focus we analyse the 2025 progress report for the First 5 strategy, highlighting what has been achieved to date.

🔗Learn more - https://loom.ly/87PpTDU

22/08/2026

📃Policy in Action: An Oireachtas review

This week we review the latest work within the Oireachtas relating to Early Years and School Age Care settings before the Dáil and Seanad broke for summer recess, and an update on the progress of our Budget 2027 campaign.

🔗Learn more - https://loom.ly/m5E3kFw

21/08/2026

👶Reggio Emilia Study Tour: Join Early Childhood Ireland in Reggio Emilia👶

We are delighted to invite members to join Early Childhood Ireland on a self-funded study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy taking place from Monday, 16 November to Thursday 20 November 2026.

⭐Learn alongside international educators⭐
Join educators from around the world for an immersive learning experience. Through visits to infant-toddler centres and preschools, hands-on Atelier experiences and sessions with Pedagogistas and Atelieristas, you will explore the Reggio Emilia Approach in an authentic and meaningful way.

Alongside opportunities for dialogue and exchange with international colleagues, this study group offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach while gathering ideas and inspiration that can enrich Aistear-informed practice, particularly in relation to children's agency, inquiry, documentation, relationships and reflective practice.

⭐What you need to know⭐
Participants will cover their own costs, including flights, accommodation and study tour fees, while benefiting from the support, organisation and companionship of our group throughout the visit.

For further information please contact - [email protected]

🗞️Making the News: Budget submission 2027In July’s Making the News, we share media coverage of Early Childhood Ireland’s...
20/08/2026

🗞️Making the News: Budget submission 2027

In July’s Making the News, we share media coverage of Early Childhood Ireland’s Budget 2027 campaign, calling on the government to prioritise the Early Years and School Age Care workforce.

Learn more - https://loom.ly/VXohZkM

Address

Belgard Square, Tallaght
Dublin
DUBLIN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+35314057100

Website

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