Who We Are
Early Years Ireland is an independent digital publication dedicated to covering the early childhood education and care sector in Ireland.
We are not a representative body, trade union, membership organisation, or government agency. We do not lobby on behalf of any group, and we do not represent the interests of any employer or employee. Our only allegiance is to accurate, clear, and useful information.
Our team is made up of writers, researchers, and former practitioners who have worked within the Irish Early Years sector. We combine first-hand experience with careful research to bring you news and analysis you can actually use.
Why We Exist
The Irish Early Years sector is one of the most important — and most complex — parts of family life in Ireland. Between ECCE, Core Funding, the National Childcare Scheme, Tusla inspections, and constantly changing employment regulations, it can be hard for parents and professionals to keep up.
Much of the information published by government bodies is accurate but difficult to read. Much of what circulates on social media is readable but inaccurate. We exist to fill that gap.
Our mission is simple: to provide clear, unbiased, and practical information about the Early Years sector in Ireland — for the people who live and work in it every day.
What We Cover
We publish articles across five main areas:
- Policy & Funding – changes to Core Funding, ECCE, the National Childcare Scheme, and government announcements explained in plain English.
- For Parents – practical guides on applying for schemes, choosing a service, understanding costs, and navigating the system.
- For Professionals – news on Employment Regulation Orders, Tusla inspections, qualifications, and sector trends.
- Sector News – openings, closures, and developments affecting Early Years services across Ireland.
- Research & Reports – summaries of new studies, reports, and data relevant to the sector.
Our Editorial Standards
We take accuracy seriously. Every article we publish follows these principles:
- Sourced information. We cite official sources — government departments, Tusla, the CSO, and recognised sector bodies — and link to them wherever possible.
- Clear separation of fact and opinion. When we publish analysis or commentary, we label it clearly.
- Corrections policy. If we make a mistake, we correct it openly and note the correction on the article.
- No hidden agenda. We do not accept payment in exchange for favourable coverage. Sponsored content, if ever published, is clearly labelled.
- Independence. We are not funded by any political party, trade union, or representative organisation.
Who We Are For
Our readers include:
- Parents and guardians trying to understand childcare options, costs, and schemes in Ireland.
- Early Years professionals — educators, managers, and owners — who need reliable updates on policy and regulation.
- Students and researchers looking for clear summaries of sector developments.
- Journalists and policymakers who want a quick, reliable overview of what is happening in the sector.
What We Are Not
To avoid any confusion, we want to be explicit:
- We are not the Association of Childhood Professionals (ACP) or any successor to it.
- We are not a trade union and we do not negotiate on behalf of workers.
- We are not a government body and we do not administer any scheme or funding.
- We are not a legal or financial advisory service. Nothing on this site constitutes legal or professional advice.
If you are looking for representation, advocacy, or formal advice, we recommend contacting the relevant body directly. We are happy to point you in the right direction — just ask.
Our Commitment to Privacy
We respect your privacy. We collect only the minimum data necessary to operate this website, and we never sell your personal information. For full details, please read our [Privacy Policy].
Contact Us
We welcome tips, corrections, story ideas, and feedback from our readers.
Email: editor@earlyyearsireland.ie
If you are a professional or organisation working in the Irish Early Years sector and would like to be featured or contribute a guest article, please get in touch with a short pitch.