Co-creation should be central to any changes to childcare

Childhood Services Ireland (CSI), the Ibec group representing early learning and care providers, has released its policy priorities for the next government. With the General Election nearing and subsequent Programme for Government negotiations on the horizon, CSI is calling for the prioritisation of investment in early childhood development through adequate funding of early childhood education and care (ECEC). Additionally, the group emphasises that any proposed changes to the childcare model should be co-created with providers.

Stephanie Roy, Director at Childhood Services Ireland, said:

“Early childhood education and care providers are dedicated to delivering quality services for children and families. Our priority for the next government is to enhance and expand these high-quality services through sustained and adequate funding for the sector. We want to ensure that any changes to the early childhood education and care sector are co-created with providers, ensuring a system that meets the needs of all stakeholders while keeping children at the heart of every decision.”

Childhood Services Ireland’s priorities include:

A minimum investment of 1% of GNI in ECEC

Both UNICEF and the OECD recommend an investment of at least 1% of Gross Domestic Product in early childhood education and care. We acknowledge Ireland’s high GDP and accept that 1% of Gross National Income is better suited to the Irish case. This investment is considered a minimum threshold to ensure that ECEC services are accessible, affordable, and of high quality. Many countries, especially those in northern Europe, already meet or exceed this benchmark, whereas others like Ireland fall short.

A commitment to engage with providers to make changes to the current system to ensure that it is serving children as best as possible.

It is essential that any discussions about changes to the early childhood education and care system include providers. Government, parents and providers alike have a common goal, which is a high-quality early childhood education and care system that is accessible, sustainable and affordable.

The co-creation of a collaborative system that recognises the role of providers in ECEC policy and delivery

Whatever changes occur in the early childhood education and care system must be co-created with providers. Ensuring their experience and expertise are reflected is key in creating a system that works for every stakeholder while keeping the child at the centre of all ECEC policy and delivery.