March:
2nd: Common Purpose event on Leadership in Early Childhood
20/21st: NCN Open Space Conference in Athlone
31st: Interdepartmental Group seminar
February:
ACP members meeting with elected representatives, in their constituency offices, to outline the key issues impacting on quality and sustainability. All representatives are invited to support our rally on the 17th.
10th: Meeting of ACP Limerick
11th: Meeting of ACP Cork
13th: Meeting with Minister Reilly and DCYA officials
17th: National Rally outside Dáil Eireann 1-3pm
24th: Meeting of DES Early Years Education Advisory Group
January 2015
6th: Radio interview with klm (Kildare radio), meeting with Robert Troy TD, meeting with Prof Noirin Hayes, ACP Dublin meeting
7th: Meeting with ECI to discuss collaboration on Rally, draft strategic plan sent to members for consultation
12th: Meeting with Students Union representatives to discuss collaboration on Rally
16th: Meeting with Start Strong to discuss collaboration on Rally
23rd: Meeting with representatives of IMPACT Trade Union
26th: ACP information session in Louth
30th: Consultation meeting with Jerry Buttimer TD and Early Childhood Providers from Bishopstown area
December:
3rd: Start Strong Conference - 'Childcare': Business or Profession?
3rd: Meeting of ACP Meath Council
11th: ACP Cork social evening
16th: Interview with Irish Examiner
18th: Presentation on Happy Talk project in Cork
November:
4th: ECEC consultation with Robert Troy TD in Athlone
5th: Meeting with Minister Reilly
5th: ACP Wicklow steering group meeting
7th: Discussion with PLE to gain support for Feb 17th rally
12th: ACP Cork consultation with members
12th: ACP Meath Council inaugural meeting
15th: ACP National Council meeting
15th: Launch of ACP Wicklow at WCCC Professional Day
24th: ACP meeting in Letterkenny IT, Donegal 6.30-8.30pm
24th: Briefing with TUSLA on early years inspections
25th: ECEC consultation with Robert Troy TD in Rochestown Park Hotel 7-9pm
October:
1st: Meeting with steering group of ACP Wicklow
3rd: Meeting with ECI, NVCOs, Start Strong, CCCs, Lecturers and De Jan Peters on Professionalisation
6th: Letter to An Taoiseach and Ministers Reilly, O'Sullivan and Burton re delays in payments for schemes.
7th: Released final draft of Pre-budget Submission 2015
8th: Meeting in Limerick to explore the possibility of ACP Limerick
15th: Meeting in Meath to explore setting up ACP Meath
16th: Seminar on the Early Years Inspection Process
18th: ACP National Council meeting
23rd: Letter to An Taoiseach regarding late payments
September:
22nd: Meeting of Advisory Panel of Education Matters Yearbook
29th: Attended meeting with Cork Early Years Network
July/August:
Writing pre budget submission 2015
June:
5th: Launch of ACP Sligo at IT Sligo by Sneator Imelda Henry
7th: 'Finding Our Voice': ACP Conference at Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Cork. Keynote speakers Dr Katherine O'Donnell and June O'Reilly.
10th: Elected committee of ACP Roscommon
19th: ACP meeting in Tullamore
21st: ACP Kilkenny are hosting and outdoor skills and networking event at the Scout and Guide Centre, Bennetsbridge Road, Kilkenny
24th: ACP meeting in Portlaoise to elect the inaugural committee of ACP Laois
25th: ACP Cork hosting a consultation meeting with members in Dundanion House, Blackrock, Cork
28th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
May 2014
2nd: Consultation with DCYA on our of school care and education
10th: BCCN seminar in Monaghan
12th: ACP Waterford hosting a briefing for election candidates in Tower Hotel, Waterford
14th: ACP Cork are hosting a briefing session for election candidates in The Glen Resource Centre, Cork at 9pm
15th: Leaders for Change training
17th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
19th: ACP Kerry hosting briefing session for election candidates
22nd: ACP meeting in Wicklow to progress formation of a branch
29th: Letter re quality agenda sent to Minister Flanagan. An Taoiseach and members of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
April 2014
2nd: Consultation meeting with Minister Fitzgerald, CCI, NVCOs, Start Strong, DES, Pobal, DCYA and Noirin Hayes at 11am in Leinster House. Topic: The proposed National Quality Support Service
2nd: Attending the The People's Debate with Vincent Browne.
8th: ACP Open Forum in Waterford Childcare Centre, Northern Extension, Industrial Estate, Waterford from 7.30-9pm
9th: Briefing/consultation, with Fiona McDonnell from Tusla, on the new registration system
9th: Lunch time seminar with the Early Years students at Sligo IT
9th: APC public meeting in Roscommon town at 7pm. Please RSVP to Jean at 094 9622540
10th: ACP Open Forum in Le Chéile, Presentation Community Development Centre, Mitchell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Time: 7:30-9:00 pm
23rd: Attending pre budget consultation hosted by Early Childhood Ireland
24th: Initiating Quality Costs Money postcard campaign.
26th: ACP Open Forum Consultation at the Gresham Hotel, 23 Upper O'Connell St, Dublin from 10-2pm. Please RSVP to [email protected]
26th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
28th: Presenting at the Providers Network in the Parish Centre, Portlaoise at 7pm
March 2014
1st: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
4th: ACP Dublin Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 4th March at 6.30 - 8.30pm @ the Macro Community Centre, 1 Green Street (Off North King Street), Dublin 7.
8th: Participating in National Women's Council of Ireland soap box event on O'Connell St.
19th: Talking with Dundalk IT students at their Early Childhood Studies Careers Event
22nd: Attending BCCN consultation event. 22nd: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
25th: Information session for Private Providers Network in Co. Westmeath.
31st: Meeting in Tullamore to establish a branch of the ACP in Offaly.
February 2014
18th: ACP Waterford Information/Consultation session in Waterford Childcare Committee Offices, Union Road, Kilmacthomas @ 7.30pm
26th: ACP Cork AGM in Dundanion House, Blackrock @ 7.30pm
26th: ACP Sligo public meeting in Dreamchasers, Maugheraboy, Sligo @ 7pm. ACP Sligo council elected at this meeting.
26th: ACP Kerry meeting in Listowel FRC
January 2014
13th: ACP Sligo held a public meeting to outline the benefits of, and need for, the ACP. Great turnout and contribution. Delighted that we have new recruits for the council of ACP Sligo.
17th: ACP convened a collaborative forum for Constructing a Shared Vision of Pathways for Professionalisation in Early Years.
This event was chaired by Professor Noirin Hayes and was the first in a series of such events. It was agreed that we need to have a public campaign to raise awareness around the importance of the early years. We also need to review the Workforce Development Plan to make it fit for purpose.
18th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
23rd: ACP presentation in Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs, Wicklow. This was a very positive event where practitioners voiced their frustration at the lack of consultation and information around developments in their profession. There was a strong agreement that a branch would form in Wicklow.
31st: Met with Irene Gunning, ECI. Accompanied her to the launch of National Pyjama Day where we met Minister Fitzgerald and talked about the need to increase capitation paid to early years services.
December 2013:
2nd: Attended round table consultation on 'Right from the Start' the report of the Expert Advisory Group on the early years. Good discussions that will hopefully result in a strengthened early years strategy. We now need to push for meaningful public consultation on a draft early years strategy before the final document is published.
3rd: Had an information stand at Professional Connections – Opportunities to meet and network with Childcare Providers and Support Organisations in the Castletroy Hotel in Limerick. This event was organised by Limerick City and County Committees to celebrate the launch of their unified committee Limerick Childcare Committee. Best of luck to all in the future. There was great interest in starting ACP Limerick and we will hold a public meeting in Limerick in January 2014 to explore this. Details to be confirmed.
4th: Attended the launch of 'Supporting Working Families-Releasing a Broke on Economic Growth. This is Ireland's First report on Childcare Costs for Working Families and Implications for Employment commissioned by Donegal County Childcare Committee. Click here to view report
5th: ACP Kildare are held a public meeting in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge. There was a great turn out and much interest in joining Kildare council and general membership. Some good discussions were had and all seemed motivated to get involved. Thank you to all who contributed in making the night a success.
6th: Attended launch of information booklet for practitioners on supporting children with cystic fibrosis in early years services. This resource was developed by Cork City Childcare Committee. Will provide link once available.
9th: ACP Kilkenny 1st Christmas Get Together @ 7.30pm in Kilkenny Education Centre on Callan Road.
12th: ACP Cork hosted a briefing on the upcoming registration of early years services followed by a festive celebration. There was a great turn out. Concerns were raised about garda vetting of students and people who have lived overseas, low pay, lack of ability to contact the childcare directorate, difficulty some childhood professionals experience when signing on for the summer months, etc. We ended on a high note by identifying the many achievements of the ACP in 2013. Thanks to all who made the night so enjoyable.
16th: Met with I.N.T.O. representatives to explore areas of future collaboration.
November 2013:
4th: Very productive meeting in Cavan re setting up a local branch of the ACP. Thanks to all involved. A public meeting will be organised shortly to discuss the move. Watch this space for details.
7th: Attended HSE briefing on registration of early years services. Please click here for ACP report. Click on the following for HSE reports: HSE Presentation and Q&A session
8th: Met with Mary McLoughlin, DCYA, to discuss the proposed mentoring service, accreditation of prior learning, legacy awards, etc.
16th: National Council meeting in Kilkenny
20th: ACP Kerry Council and members met in Tralee and elected the inaugural council of ACP Kerry. Congratulations to all involved. Issues such as registration of early years services, funded training, etc were also discussed.
21st: Attended Start Strong seminar “Right from the Start - Building Towards a National Early Years Strategy”, in Buswells Hotel. Click here for details.
28th: Meeting in Tullamore Court Hotel,7.30-9.30pm, to outline the need for the ACP to represent the voice of the childhood professional. Great attendance and interest in forming ACP Offaly. Follow up meeting will be organised for Janurary 2014
October 2013:
4th: Membership blitz. Letter and membership form sent to all services in Ireland encouraging managers to pass on the information to their colleagues and encourage them to join this national movement.
5th: Attended NCCA/ECI Aistear in Action Conference where Minister Fitzgerald talked about publishing the Expert Advisory Group's report and how key aspects of this report will be implemented as funds allow. She also talked about the need for strong voices to bring early years to the fore in terms of policy implementation and funding.
9th: First public meeting of Kerry ACP on Wednesday at 7.30pm at Kerry County Childcare office. There was a great turn out for this meeting which indicates the level of interest in the ACP and also the level of frustration that childhood professionals are experiencing. Marian Quinn, Chairperson of ACP, provided a presentation on the journey of the ACP thus far and outlined the vision for the future. This was followed by a Q&A session. A number of people signed up to join the committee and there was great interest in membership. Thanks to Dionne, Sharon and all at Kerry County Childcare Committee for organising. ACP Kerry can be contacted at [email protected]
10th: Attended launch of Right from the Start: Report of the Expert Advisory Group on the Early Years Strategy
12th: National council meeting in Kilkenny.
17th-19th: Attended ECI Gathering in Aviva Stadium and give a poster presentation on the benefits of Communities of Practice as a means of supporting the development of quality in early years and out-of-school care and education. Great networking opportunity. Connected with people from CCCs and colleges and have been invited to speak with a number of groups re the role of the ACP. Some great keynote speakers and lots of affirmation for the childhood professional.
20th: Submitted ACP proposal, to Minister Fitzgerald, on how we feel the new mentoring service should operate.
21st: ACP Kilkenny held a public meeting on Monday 21st October in the Education Centre, Seville Lodge, Callan Rd., Kilkenny.
22nd: ACP Dublin council meeting was held on Tuesday 22nd October at 6.30 - 8.30pm @ the Macro Community Centre, 1 Green Street (Off North King Street), Dublin 7. Thank you to everyone who attended. It was a good night with plenty of discussion and actions agreed upon. We would like to welcome Joan, Valerie, Geraldine and Claudia onto the branch council.
September 2013:
Throughout September: Membership drive, writing policies and procedures for our association, contacting local and national representatives to share our key messages, developing strategic plan
3rd: Attended launch of FF discussion paper on early years. Will be reviewing and meeting with Robert Troy, TD in the coming weeks to discuss. Please forward your comments to [email protected] for inclusion in this meeting.
17th: ACP Kilkenny held a public meeting in the Education Centre, Seville Lodge, Callan Rd, Kilkenny to share their progress to date and to explore future actions. Thanks to all who attended and contributed
18th: We had a very productive meeting with Childcare Committee Ireland (CCI) on areas of collaboration to support the childhood professional.
21st: Attended BCCN After School and Outdoor Play Conference in Navan. Very well organised event that was enjoyed by all. Great buzz around and it was further proof of the commitment of childhood professionals to CPD.
26th: Met with Minister Fitzgerald, Mary McLoughlin and William Lavelle in Leinster House. Will organise notes and publish online within the next few days.
30th: Attended Informing Policy through Research and Evidence: Learning's from the Prevention and Early Intervention Initiative and Growing Up in Ireland - A Roundtable Discussion in Dublin. Discussion on the importance of collaboration between policy makers, researchers and stakeholders in developing effective policy.
2nd: Common Purpose event on Leadership in Early Childhood
20/21st: NCN Open Space Conference in Athlone
31st: Interdepartmental Group seminar
February:
ACP members meeting with elected representatives, in their constituency offices, to outline the key issues impacting on quality and sustainability. All representatives are invited to support our rally on the 17th.
10th: Meeting of ACP Limerick
11th: Meeting of ACP Cork
13th: Meeting with Minister Reilly and DCYA officials
17th: National Rally outside Dáil Eireann 1-3pm
24th: Meeting of DES Early Years Education Advisory Group
January 2015
6th: Radio interview with klm (Kildare radio), meeting with Robert Troy TD, meeting with Prof Noirin Hayes, ACP Dublin meeting
7th: Meeting with ECI to discuss collaboration on Rally, draft strategic plan sent to members for consultation
12th: Meeting with Students Union representatives to discuss collaboration on Rally
16th: Meeting with Start Strong to discuss collaboration on Rally
23rd: Meeting with representatives of IMPACT Trade Union
26th: ACP information session in Louth
30th: Consultation meeting with Jerry Buttimer TD and Early Childhood Providers from Bishopstown area
December:
3rd: Start Strong Conference - 'Childcare': Business or Profession?
3rd: Meeting of ACP Meath Council
11th: ACP Cork social evening
16th: Interview with Irish Examiner
18th: Presentation on Happy Talk project in Cork
November:
4th: ECEC consultation with Robert Troy TD in Athlone
5th: Meeting with Minister Reilly
5th: ACP Wicklow steering group meeting
7th: Discussion with PLE to gain support for Feb 17th rally
12th: ACP Cork consultation with members
12th: ACP Meath Council inaugural meeting
15th: ACP National Council meeting
15th: Launch of ACP Wicklow at WCCC Professional Day
24th: ACP meeting in Letterkenny IT, Donegal 6.30-8.30pm
24th: Briefing with TUSLA on early years inspections
25th: ECEC consultation with Robert Troy TD in Rochestown Park Hotel 7-9pm
October:
1st: Meeting with steering group of ACP Wicklow
3rd: Meeting with ECI, NVCOs, Start Strong, CCCs, Lecturers and De Jan Peters on Professionalisation
6th: Letter to An Taoiseach and Ministers Reilly, O'Sullivan and Burton re delays in payments for schemes.
7th: Released final draft of Pre-budget Submission 2015
8th: Meeting in Limerick to explore the possibility of ACP Limerick
15th: Meeting in Meath to explore setting up ACP Meath
16th: Seminar on the Early Years Inspection Process
18th: ACP National Council meeting
23rd: Letter to An Taoiseach regarding late payments
September:
22nd: Meeting of Advisory Panel of Education Matters Yearbook
29th: Attended meeting with Cork Early Years Network
July/August:
Writing pre budget submission 2015
June:
5th: Launch of ACP Sligo at IT Sligo by Sneator Imelda Henry
7th: 'Finding Our Voice': ACP Conference at Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Cork. Keynote speakers Dr Katherine O'Donnell and June O'Reilly.
10th: Elected committee of ACP Roscommon
19th: ACP meeting in Tullamore
21st: ACP Kilkenny are hosting and outdoor skills and networking event at the Scout and Guide Centre, Bennetsbridge Road, Kilkenny
24th: ACP meeting in Portlaoise to elect the inaugural committee of ACP Laois
25th: ACP Cork hosting a consultation meeting with members in Dundanion House, Blackrock, Cork
28th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
May 2014
2nd: Consultation with DCYA on our of school care and education
10th: BCCN seminar in Monaghan
12th: ACP Waterford hosting a briefing for election candidates in Tower Hotel, Waterford
14th: ACP Cork are hosting a briefing session for election candidates in The Glen Resource Centre, Cork at 9pm
15th: Leaders for Change training
17th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
19th: ACP Kerry hosting briefing session for election candidates
22nd: ACP meeting in Wicklow to progress formation of a branch
29th: Letter re quality agenda sent to Minister Flanagan. An Taoiseach and members of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
April 2014
2nd: Consultation meeting with Minister Fitzgerald, CCI, NVCOs, Start Strong, DES, Pobal, DCYA and Noirin Hayes at 11am in Leinster House. Topic: The proposed National Quality Support Service
2nd: Attending the The People's Debate with Vincent Browne.
8th: ACP Open Forum in Waterford Childcare Centre, Northern Extension, Industrial Estate, Waterford from 7.30-9pm
9th: Briefing/consultation, with Fiona McDonnell from Tusla, on the new registration system
9th: Lunch time seminar with the Early Years students at Sligo IT
9th: APC public meeting in Roscommon town at 7pm. Please RSVP to Jean at 094 9622540
10th: ACP Open Forum in Le Chéile, Presentation Community Development Centre, Mitchell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Time: 7:30-9:00 pm
23rd: Attending pre budget consultation hosted by Early Childhood Ireland
24th: Initiating Quality Costs Money postcard campaign.
26th: ACP Open Forum Consultation at the Gresham Hotel, 23 Upper O'Connell St, Dublin from 10-2pm. Please RSVP to [email protected]
26th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
28th: Presenting at the Providers Network in the Parish Centre, Portlaoise at 7pm
March 2014
1st: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
4th: ACP Dublin Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 4th March at 6.30 - 8.30pm @ the Macro Community Centre, 1 Green Street (Off North King Street), Dublin 7.
8th: Participating in National Women's Council of Ireland soap box event on O'Connell St.
19th: Talking with Dundalk IT students at their Early Childhood Studies Careers Event
22nd: Attending BCCN consultation event. 22nd: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
25th: Information session for Private Providers Network in Co. Westmeath.
31st: Meeting in Tullamore to establish a branch of the ACP in Offaly.
February 2014
18th: ACP Waterford Information/Consultation session in Waterford Childcare Committee Offices, Union Road, Kilmacthomas @ 7.30pm
26th: ACP Cork AGM in Dundanion House, Blackrock @ 7.30pm
26th: ACP Sligo public meeting in Dreamchasers, Maugheraboy, Sligo @ 7pm. ACP Sligo council elected at this meeting.
26th: ACP Kerry meeting in Listowel FRC
January 2014
13th: ACP Sligo held a public meeting to outline the benefits of, and need for, the ACP. Great turnout and contribution. Delighted that we have new recruits for the council of ACP Sligo.
17th: ACP convened a collaborative forum for Constructing a Shared Vision of Pathways for Professionalisation in Early Years.
This event was chaired by Professor Noirin Hayes and was the first in a series of such events. It was agreed that we need to have a public campaign to raise awareness around the importance of the early years. We also need to review the Workforce Development Plan to make it fit for purpose.
18th: Meeting of the National Council of the ACP
23rd: ACP presentation in Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs, Wicklow. This was a very positive event where practitioners voiced their frustration at the lack of consultation and information around developments in their profession. There was a strong agreement that a branch would form in Wicklow.
31st: Met with Irene Gunning, ECI. Accompanied her to the launch of National Pyjama Day where we met Minister Fitzgerald and talked about the need to increase capitation paid to early years services.
December 2013:
2nd: Attended round table consultation on 'Right from the Start' the report of the Expert Advisory Group on the early years. Good discussions that will hopefully result in a strengthened early years strategy. We now need to push for meaningful public consultation on a draft early years strategy before the final document is published.
3rd: Had an information stand at Professional Connections – Opportunities to meet and network with Childcare Providers and Support Organisations in the Castletroy Hotel in Limerick. This event was organised by Limerick City and County Committees to celebrate the launch of their unified committee Limerick Childcare Committee. Best of luck to all in the future. There was great interest in starting ACP Limerick and we will hold a public meeting in Limerick in January 2014 to explore this. Details to be confirmed.
4th: Attended the launch of 'Supporting Working Families-Releasing a Broke on Economic Growth. This is Ireland's First report on Childcare Costs for Working Families and Implications for Employment commissioned by Donegal County Childcare Committee. Click here to view report
5th: ACP Kildare are held a public meeting in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge. There was a great turn out and much interest in joining Kildare council and general membership. Some good discussions were had and all seemed motivated to get involved. Thank you to all who contributed in making the night a success.
6th: Attended launch of information booklet for practitioners on supporting children with cystic fibrosis in early years services. This resource was developed by Cork City Childcare Committee. Will provide link once available.
9th: ACP Kilkenny 1st Christmas Get Together @ 7.30pm in Kilkenny Education Centre on Callan Road.
12th: ACP Cork hosted a briefing on the upcoming registration of early years services followed by a festive celebration. There was a great turn out. Concerns were raised about garda vetting of students and people who have lived overseas, low pay, lack of ability to contact the childcare directorate, difficulty some childhood professionals experience when signing on for the summer months, etc. We ended on a high note by identifying the many achievements of the ACP in 2013. Thanks to all who made the night so enjoyable.
16th: Met with I.N.T.O. representatives to explore areas of future collaboration.
November 2013:
4th: Very productive meeting in Cavan re setting up a local branch of the ACP. Thanks to all involved. A public meeting will be organised shortly to discuss the move. Watch this space for details.
7th: Attended HSE briefing on registration of early years services. Please click here for ACP report. Click on the following for HSE reports: HSE Presentation and Q&A session
8th: Met with Mary McLoughlin, DCYA, to discuss the proposed mentoring service, accreditation of prior learning, legacy awards, etc.
16th: National Council meeting in Kilkenny
20th: ACP Kerry Council and members met in Tralee and elected the inaugural council of ACP Kerry. Congratulations to all involved. Issues such as registration of early years services, funded training, etc were also discussed.
21st: Attended Start Strong seminar “Right from the Start - Building Towards a National Early Years Strategy”, in Buswells Hotel. Click here for details.
28th: Meeting in Tullamore Court Hotel,7.30-9.30pm, to outline the need for the ACP to represent the voice of the childhood professional. Great attendance and interest in forming ACP Offaly. Follow up meeting will be organised for Janurary 2014
October 2013:
4th: Membership blitz. Letter and membership form sent to all services in Ireland encouraging managers to pass on the information to their colleagues and encourage them to join this national movement.
5th: Attended NCCA/ECI Aistear in Action Conference where Minister Fitzgerald talked about publishing the Expert Advisory Group's report and how key aspects of this report will be implemented as funds allow. She also talked about the need for strong voices to bring early years to the fore in terms of policy implementation and funding.
9th: First public meeting of Kerry ACP on Wednesday at 7.30pm at Kerry County Childcare office. There was a great turn out for this meeting which indicates the level of interest in the ACP and also the level of frustration that childhood professionals are experiencing. Marian Quinn, Chairperson of ACP, provided a presentation on the journey of the ACP thus far and outlined the vision for the future. This was followed by a Q&A session. A number of people signed up to join the committee and there was great interest in membership. Thanks to Dionne, Sharon and all at Kerry County Childcare Committee for organising. ACP Kerry can be contacted at [email protected]
10th: Attended launch of Right from the Start: Report of the Expert Advisory Group on the Early Years Strategy
12th: National council meeting in Kilkenny.
17th-19th: Attended ECI Gathering in Aviva Stadium and give a poster presentation on the benefits of Communities of Practice as a means of supporting the development of quality in early years and out-of-school care and education. Great networking opportunity. Connected with people from CCCs and colleges and have been invited to speak with a number of groups re the role of the ACP. Some great keynote speakers and lots of affirmation for the childhood professional.
20th: Submitted ACP proposal, to Minister Fitzgerald, on how we feel the new mentoring service should operate.
21st: ACP Kilkenny held a public meeting on Monday 21st October in the Education Centre, Seville Lodge, Callan Rd., Kilkenny.
22nd: ACP Dublin council meeting was held on Tuesday 22nd October at 6.30 - 8.30pm @ the Macro Community Centre, 1 Green Street (Off North King Street), Dublin 7. Thank you to everyone who attended. It was a good night with plenty of discussion and actions agreed upon. We would like to welcome Joan, Valerie, Geraldine and Claudia onto the branch council.
September 2013:
Throughout September: Membership drive, writing policies and procedures for our association, contacting local and national representatives to share our key messages, developing strategic plan
3rd: Attended launch of FF discussion paper on early years. Will be reviewing and meeting with Robert Troy, TD in the coming weeks to discuss. Please forward your comments to [email protected] for inclusion in this meeting.
17th: ACP Kilkenny held a public meeting in the Education Centre, Seville Lodge, Callan Rd, Kilkenny to share their progress to date and to explore future actions. Thanks to all who attended and contributed
18th: We had a very productive meeting with Childcare Committee Ireland (CCI) on areas of collaboration to support the childhood professional.
21st: Attended BCCN After School and Outdoor Play Conference in Navan. Very well organised event that was enjoyed by all. Great buzz around and it was further proof of the commitment of childhood professionals to CPD.
26th: Met with Minister Fitzgerald, Mary McLoughlin and William Lavelle in Leinster House. Will organise notes and publish online within the next few days.
30th: Attended Informing Policy through Research and Evidence: Learning's from the Prevention and Early Intervention Initiative and Growing Up in Ireland - A Roundtable Discussion in Dublin. Discussion on the importance of collaboration between policy makers, researchers and stakeholders in developing effective policy.