Childhood Development Initiative

Childhood Development Initiative Every child in Ireland deserves to be thriving, healthy, happy and free from poverty, and CDI is dedicated to making this happen.

https://linktr.ee/childhooddevelopmentinitiative
CRA - 20065577 CDI is one of three sites which constitute the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (PEIP) in Ireland, and is jointly funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) and The Atlantic Philanthropies (AP). The three sites, (CDI, Youngballymun and Preparing for Life) were set up with “the objective of testing innovat

ive ways of delivering services and early interventions for children and young people, including the wider family and community settings.” (DCYA, 2011)

CDI is based in Tallaght West and is the result of the professionalism, passion and persistence of a group of 23 concerned individuals and organisations in the community, who had a vision of a better place for children. Through innovative partnerships, they brought together the science of evidenced-based practice and rigorous evaluation, with the spirit of an approach focused on the identified needs of children and families. A partnership was agreed between Government and The Atlantic Philanthropies and the consortium’s first piece of work was a needs analysis entitled “How Are Our Kids?” (HAOK, 2004). A number of priorities were agreed based on this research, one of which was the set up and incorporation of CDI in 2007. Following this a number of programmes were designed and delivered between 2007-2011. Our programmes for Tallaght West are the Early Years Programme; Doodle Den - Literacy Programme for Senior Infant Children; Mate-Tricks - Pro-Social Behaviour Programme for 4th Class Children; Healthy Schools Programme - A Whole School Approach; Early Intervention Speech and Language Therapy; Community Safety Initiative; Safe and Healthy Place Initiative; Restorative Practice; and the Quality Enhancement Programme. All CDI programmes are evidence-informed and manualised, and are delivered through existing structures and services. CDI has a core role in promoting quality, fidelity, value for money and added value. All elements of our work are rigorously and independently evaluated and we are committed to sharing the learning and experiences from Tallaght West, in order to inform and shape future policy, practice, training and curriculum development.

A great couple of days for our Chit Chat Speech & Language team!Our Senior Speech and Language Therapists, Caitríona Ger...
26/05/2026

A great couple of days for our Chit Chat Speech & Language team!

Our Senior Speech and Language Therapists, Caitríona Geraghty and Niamh Egan, attended the Biennial Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) Conference in Portlaoise.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to connect in person with fellow Child and Family Agency - Tusla Area Based Childhood Programme (ABC) Speech and Language Therapists from across the country.

CDI's Chit Chat programme supports young children and their families in developing speech, language, and communication skills. Designed as an early intervention service, it brings together education, health, and childcare services to make support more accessible for families who need it most.

Chit Chat works at three levels
1. Universal — for all children and families
2. Targeted — for those who need a little extra support
3. Specialist — for children with identified needs

We work in partnership with parents, early years services, and primary schools to help little ones build their listening, understanding, and speaking skills — right from the start.

25/05/2026

Teachers, are you looking for practical ways to build stronger classroom relationships, prevent conflict, and support student wellbeing?

Our Restorative Practices Summer Course could be exactly what you need.
This Department of Education-approved (EPV) course is:
• Self-paced and fully online
• Worth 3 EPV days
• Designed for primary and post-primary teachers
• Approx. 20 hours of study

You’ll learn practical, everyday skills to:
• Build positive, relationship-based classrooms
• Use restorative language with confidence
• Prevent and respond to conflict constructively

Start from 1 July, finish by 21 August, 20 hours total

A CPD certificate is awarded on completion.
This course supports key priorities like wellbeing, SPHE, anti-bullying, and School Self-Evaluation—while giving you tools you’ll use every day.

Book Now: Link in Bio

"I truly believe Restorative Practices should be implemented in all schools. By shifting the focus from punishment to repair and relationship-building, restorative practices offer a powerful tool for creating more positive, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all students and staff". Deirdre Laide, Primary School Teacher.

19/05/2026

Teachers: Thinking about your summer course already?
Book early and save 10% —May Early Bird offer: €67.50

Our Speech, Language & Communication Summer Course is designed to help primary teachers feel more confident supporting pupils with speech and language needs in the classroom.

Perfect for mainstream and SET teachers, the course focuses on practical strategies you can use every day to support:
• Support pupils with SLCN more effectively
• Strengthen oral language and vocabulary development
• Build confidence in identifying additional needs early
• Learn practical approaches for junior and senior classes

💻 Fully online and self-paced
🎓 Includes 3 EPV days + CPD certificate
📅 Runs 13–31 July 2026
Dept. of Education approved

Early Bird Fee: €67.50
Available until 5 June only

A valuable course for any teacher looking to strengthen inclusive practice and better support pupils this September.
Places are limited — book early to avoid missing out.

This week, it was a pleasure to host team members from the Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM) at CDI. They are fellow award...
14/05/2026

This week, it was a pleasure to host team members from the Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM) at CDI. They are fellow awardees of the Rethink Ireland Brighter Futures Fund, which aims to improve mental health and wellbeing for marginalised groups in Ireland.

We provided an overview of CDI's Youth Mental Health programme, Nova, and our Restorative Practices programme, and discussed how both organisations could collaborate going forward. We look forward to continuing these talks.

14/05/2026

Teachers: Thinking about your summer course already?
Book early and save 10% —May Early Bird offer: €67.50

Our Speech, Language & Communication Summer Course is designed to help primary teachers feel more confident supporting pupils with speech and language needs in the classroom.

Perfect for mainstream and SET teachers, the course focuses on practical strategies you can use every day to support:
• Support pupils with SLCN more effectively
• Strengthen oral language and vocabulary development
• Build confidence in identifying additional needs early
• Learn practical approaches for junior and senior classes

💻 Fully online and self-paced
🎓 Includes 3 EPV days + CPD certificate
📅 Runs 13–31 July 2026
Dept. of Education approved

Early Bird Fee: €67.50
Available until 5 June only

A valuable course for any teacher looking to strengthen inclusive practice and better support pupils this September.
Places are limited, book now! https://www.cdi.ie/courses/speech-language-communication-online-summer-course-for-primary-teachers2026/

I am regularly amazed by my colleagues here at CDI and by how much they manage to fit into their roles and working weeks...
13/05/2026

I am regularly amazed by my colleagues here at CDI and by how much they manage to fit into their roles and working weeks! That can only be done when you are passionate about what you do and dedicated to delivering the best for the communities you work with.

Here are two of our Parent Carer Facilitators, Claire and Joy, who are running a Circle of Security group for parents at Killinarden Family Resource Centre over the next eight weeks. The Circle of Security approach helps caregivers build secure, trusting relationships by recognising children’s emotional needs and responding with both support and safe boundaries.

Joy is one of our Home Visitors, visiting expectant and new mums in their homes and offering support and guidance to mums and dads during those early days of parenting.

Claire is one of our Parent Carer Facilitators working in an Early Childhood Education Centre. She works directly with parents and carers and is available to support them with the many challenges they may face.

Learn more about our Powerful Parenting Programme here:
CDI Powerful Parenting Programme

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day! One in four mothers experiences mental health difficulties. Motherhood is a j...
06/05/2026

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day!
One in four mothers experiences mental health difficulties.

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, but it‘s not always easy. Many mothers struggle quietly.

When we see, listen, and gently step in, we make space for real support.

Videos, podcasts and additional resources are available at www.motherhood.ie

HSE Ireland



Our Powerful Parenting Programme supports parents from pregnancy through to when their child turns five, working alongsi...
06/05/2026

Our Powerful Parenting Programme supports parents from pregnancy through to when their child turns five, working alongside families across Tallaght through our dedicated team of Parent Carer Facilitators (PCFs).

Our Parent Carer Facilitator, Leanne, co-hosted an Open Day at An Cosán St Anne’s — a great opportunity for families to experience what An Cosán St Anne’s is like — a warm, welcoming and engaging environment.

Children enjoyed a taster session of the Bia Blasta Programme, while parents had the chance to learn more about what CDI offers. Our Speech and Language Therapist, Niamh, spoke with families about communication development and the supports available, and Leanne shared information about the Powerful Parenting Programme — including practical ways to support children’s learning and development at home.

If you are a parent, carer, or service provider in Tallaght and would like to learn more about the Powerful Parenting Programme, we’d love to hear from you.

Address

St Mark's Family And Youth Centre, Fettercairn
Dublin
DUBLIN24

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+35314940030

Website

https://linktr.ee/childhooddevelopmentinitiative

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