In its latest round of country-specific recommendations, the European Commission has advised Ireland to enhance social infrastructure, including quality childcare.

The emphasis Europe has placed on quality this year is significant, as it’s the first time the Commission has focused solely on quality. Previously its country-specific recommendations have focused exclusively on affordability, or affordability and quality.

Responding to the Commission’s recommendations, IMPACT’s interim Early Education campaign director Ciairín de Buis said, “Quality can be short-hand for professionalisation. And Ireland certainly needs to address the professionalisation of early education.

“This is a sector where those teaching and caring for our youngest children are amongst the lowest paid, and where less than one in five of those working with young children are qualified to graduate level.

“The Irish government needs to act on the recommendation of the European commission and greatly increase its investment in early education. Along with increased investment, agreed salary scales need to form part of the government approach. If we value our young children, we need to value those who teach and care for our young children,” she said.

IMPACT has recently established an Early Education Campaign Branch. Early education professionals who wish to join the ranch should contact organiser Lisa Connell.

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