Government has established a special unit to investigate what a ‘nationalised’ childcare model might look like
in terms of staff; service offering; fees for parents; and overall funding model
O’Reilly argues that while increases to staff and other costs vary significantly from one operator to the next, Government supports are based on child numbers, and the fee freeze deprived services like hers of the ability to address any shortfalls through additional charges.
That examination began in January, on foot of a recommendation made to it four years ago by an expert group. A special unit has been established within the department to investigate what a “nationalised” childcare model might look like in terms of “staff employment, pay and conditions; ownership and management of buildings; operating models; governance arrangements; service offering; fees for parents; and the overall funding model”.
“Every piece of research we have from the past 40 years, and this is from economists too, not just early childhood people like me, tells us that your best bet as a country is to invest in the most critical stage of development, which is in early childhood.
There is a “unit cost”, she says, associated with the provision of that high-quality care and education, and while increased Government funding in its various forms has been a good thing, the associated constraints on operators have impacted their ability to deliver it, not least because of problems associated with staff recruitment.
Roderic-O-Gorman Simon-Harris Micheal-Martin Dublin-City-University
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pilot scheme for nationalised childcare costed at €53mScheme would cater for 6,000 children across a range of different services intended to be representative of the current sector
Read more »
How easy would it be to create a free, nationalised childcare system?Government has established a special unit to investigate what a ‘nationalised’ childcare model might look like in terms of staff; service offering; fees for parents; and overall funding model
Read more »
Double Child Benefit agreed by government but payment increase in doubtMore details are emerging about the upcoming Budget 2025 measures and it seems a double payment of Child Benefit has been confirmed, however a payment increase is unlikely
Read more »
Irish Teen Activist To Protest Government Over Child Disability Services14-year-old Cara Darmody, a disability rights campaigner whose younger brothers are autistic and non-verbal, will lead a protest at Leinster House on Thursday, accusing the Irish government of being an 'international embarrassment' for its handling of child disability issues.
Read more »
Audiovisual Ireland calls on Government to match UK screen tax creditIbec industry body says relief of 40% should be available to lower budget productions
Read more »
Government without Greens would do less on climateWith election fever heating up, the Dublin West TD has pledged to put reducing emissions at the heart of the Greens' offer to the electorate.
Read more »