The contracts cover the provision of two free years of childcare, which parents can access under the state-funded Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme. Earlier this month, IMPACT supported an Association of Childcare Professionals demonstration over the late arrival of the contracts and the summer lay-off of thousands of early years’ staff because the Government scheme restricts funding to 38 weeks of the year.

The two organisations, which work jointly on behalf of early years’ professionals, used the event to highlight the importance of early childhood education and care, as well as the vital role played by early childhood professionals in supporting children and families.

IMPACT deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan said the Government’s inept handling of the scheme means experienced staff are being laid off, while childcare providers’ ability to meet demand for free childcare under ECCE is being compromised.

“Thousands of skilled and experienced early years’ professionals are being forced out of work for the summer because the Government only funds early years’ services for 38 weeks. That’s no use to parents, who need care for their children 52 weeks of the year. And it is totally unacceptable to the dedicated staff who will either have no income or depend on social welfare this summer,” he said.

Kevin wrote to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone to urge her to act quickly on the issue. The contracts issued soon after.